WALVIS BAY – Former Swakopmund mayor and prominent Member of Parliament, Germina Shitaleni passed on early yesterday morning in Windhoek.
Close relatives and family confirmed yesterday morning that 45-year-old Shitaleni, who battled cancer for several years, succumbed in a Windhoek hospital.
“My sister passed on just after midnight (early yesterday).” She died peacefully, her sister Anna Nicodemus told New Era yesterday.
While condolences poured in yesterday morning via social networks, fellow MP and Vice-Chairperson of the National Council, Magreth Mensah-Williams described Shitaleni as a woman of courage, faith, who dedicated her time to worthy causes such as gender and youth issues.
Mensah-Williams further said the late Shitaleni was dedicated to her community.
“Her passing is indeed a great loss not only for the Erongo Region but for the entire nation.
“She was a young, vibrant phenomenal woman with great leadership attributes. Always helpful and ready to serve. Her contributions will surely be missed,” Mensah-Williams said.
She served as the fourth National Council member for the Erongo Region from 2010 until the time of her death.
Shitaleni also served as the Swapo Party Regional Councillor for Swakopmund Constituency since 2010, as well as the Chairperson for the Standing Committee on Gender, Youth, Information and Communication Technology (2011-2015); National Council Women Caucus (2011-2015); Standing Committee on Habitat (2011-2015). She also served as a Swakopmund Local Authority Councillor (2004-2010); Chairperson Local Authority Management Committee (2004-2006); Swakopmund Deputy Mayor (2006-2008) and Swakopmund Mayor (2008-2010).
She was a medical technologist, among other qualifications.
Shitaleni was born on June 21, 1970, in Windhoek in the Khomas Region. She is survived by her mother and six siblings.