SWAKOPMUND - The late Gerhard Hans Tötemeyer’s family said they want to fulfil his last dream—to publish one of his final projects before his death last week in Swakopmund.
The renowned political figure, who is survived by his wife, four children and six grandchildren, was an avid author.
Tötemeyer authored 25 books on politics, regional governance and other subjects. Some of his notable works include “Southwest Africa, Namibia: Facts, Attitudes, Assessment and Prospects,” written in 1977; “The Reconstruction of the Namibian National, Regional and Local State” in 1992; and “Namibia’s Regional Resource Manual.”
Tötemeyer was cremated in a private ceremony last week in Swakopmund.
Speaking on behalf of the family on Friday about her father, Sonya Tötemeyer-Du Plessis revealed that he had been working on the book, which is currently with an editor.
“He was a dynamic person who even in his old age was very active; up until the day of his passing, he was working,” she noted. She mentioned that he had expressed the significance of his last book to the family, but did not disclose the title.
“Apparently, it is about the church and the state. It is currently being edited, and will continue his legacy and love for books,” she added.
Totemeyer-Du Plessis said he did not have a publisher yet, but the family wants to continue with his legacy by publishing the book.
“However, we first have to do a lot of investigation as to how far the book is.
I can’t say when it’s going to be published, but that is our wish that it will be published,” she added.
Her father never feared sharing his convictions to produce renewal, change or justice, as this was indeed characteristics of a true freedom fighter and a preacher.
Raimar von Hase, a friend of the late Tötemeyer, confirmed that he was busy still working on his last book.
“It is almost finished. It’s a book about the churches in Namibia, a somewhat critical book about the conduct of churches in Namibia after independence. Unfortunately, he was unable to finish it, but I trust and hope that the family will see to it that it will see the light of publishing soon, “he said.
Namibian ambassador to China, Nico Kaiyamo, described Tötemeyer as a man of calibre, noting his influence as a role model for respect and support for senior citizens. “His vision of ‘one Namibia, one Nation’ is second to none,” he remarked.
The chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia, Elsie Nghikembua, reflected on Tötemeyer’s achievements, and encouraged Namibians to mourn his loss while celebrating his contributions to democracy. “In the midst of our sorrow, let us find solace in the memories and the impact he had on our lives.
As we say our final goodbyes, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the principles he so passionately advocated for,” she stated.
The late professor was Namibia’s first-ever director of elections, and helped to strengthen Namibia’s democracy after campaigning vigorously for Namibia’s freedom and genuine independence.
Tötemeyer served as the deputy minister of local government. Before he became a politician or served as elections director, professor Tötemeyer was a member of the first Delimitation Commission of Namibia, a critical body for the administrative division of the country.
He retired in 2004 from politics due to health concerns, but continued to contribute to Namibia as he served as the chairman of the National Housing Enterprise.