Walvis Bay bids final farewell to John Savva
In moving memorial and funeral services, family, friends, and the Walvis Bay community bid a heartfelt farewell to John Savva (77) — a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, philanthropist, and diplomat whose impact extended far beyond the coastal town.
Both ceremonies drew several dignitaries, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, former president Nangolo Mbumba, former first lady Monica Geingos, and a host of ministers, parliamentarians, and governors — a testament to Savva’s enduring influence across Namibia’s business and political circles.
Delivering a eulogy, Elia Hadjidakis, Savva’s son-in-law, urged Namibians to keep the late businessman’s remarkable story alive. He recounted that Savva arrived in Namibia 57 years ago with only R20 in his pocket — a humble beginning that blossomed into a lifetime of achievement.
“His story is a testimony to every Namibian,” Hadjidakis said. “It proves that if you are hungry enough and determined enough, you never have to explain where you came from — what matters is where you are going.”
Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Savva’, he earned that nickname through decades of mentorship and community service. “He never did anything for profit — he did everything for purpose,” Hadjidakis said. “When he built Aphrodite Beach, it was to bring life to the desert. When he planted the palm trees, it was to put Walvis Bay — and Namibia — on the map. When he built the Yianni Savva Police Station, it was to serve the community. And when he bought the Atlantic Hotel, it wasn’t for business — it was because he wanted to restore an institution and give it meaning again.”
A pillar of Walvis Bay’s economy
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described Savva as “generous without being noisy about it,” saying his good deeds often went unseen but not unfelt.
“He reminded us that not all good deeds must be publicised. Those who came to him for help did so in good faith, and he respected their dignity — a profound lesson for us all,” she said.
She hailed him as a towering figure in Namibia’s economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality. “When you talk about Walvis Bay, the name Savva is almost synonymous with the harbour town,” she said. “His contributions helped define the town’s character and rhythm. He was not just a businessman — he was part of the town’s soul and heartbeat, shaping Walvis Bay into the thriving economic hub we know today.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that Savva’s investments reflected his love for Namibia. “He came here, invested here, and stayed here. He didn’t take his wealth back home — he reinvested it, creating jobs and opportunities for others,” she added.
“My heart is a canvas of grief”
In an emotional tribute, widow Roulla Savva described her late husband as her best friend and “the greatest gift” of her life.
“My heart is a canvas of grief — torn and bleeding with anguish. The world feels suddenly empty, the very air hollow without your presence. You were my sunshine, my eternal flame. Death may have taken you from my eyes, but it cannot quench the everlasting fire you lit within my soul,” she said.
Savva was laid to rest at the Walvis Bay Cemetery, next to his son Yianni, who died in a car accident in 2010 between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. He is survived by his wife, daughters Despo and Georgia, and three grandchildren.
Both ceremonies drew several dignitaries, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, former president Nangolo Mbumba, former first lady Monica Geingos, and a host of ministers, parliamentarians, and governors — a testament to Savva’s enduring influence across Namibia’s business and political circles.
Delivering a eulogy, Elia Hadjidakis, Savva’s son-in-law, urged Namibians to keep the late businessman’s remarkable story alive. He recounted that Savva arrived in Namibia 57 years ago with only R20 in his pocket — a humble beginning that blossomed into a lifetime of achievement.
“His story is a testimony to every Namibian,” Hadjidakis said. “It proves that if you are hungry enough and determined enough, you never have to explain where you came from — what matters is where you are going.”
Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Savva’, he earned that nickname through decades of mentorship and community service. “He never did anything for profit — he did everything for purpose,” Hadjidakis said. “When he built Aphrodite Beach, it was to bring life to the desert. When he planted the palm trees, it was to put Walvis Bay — and Namibia — on the map. When he built the Yianni Savva Police Station, it was to serve the community. And when he bought the Atlantic Hotel, it wasn’t for business — it was because he wanted to restore an institution and give it meaning again.”
A pillar of Walvis Bay’s economy
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described Savva as “generous without being noisy about it,” saying his good deeds often went unseen but not unfelt.
“He reminded us that not all good deeds must be publicised. Those who came to him for help did so in good faith, and he respected their dignity — a profound lesson for us all,” she said.
She hailed him as a towering figure in Namibia’s economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality. “When you talk about Walvis Bay, the name Savva is almost synonymous with the harbour town,” she said. “His contributions helped define the town’s character and rhythm. He was not just a businessman — he was part of the town’s soul and heartbeat, shaping Walvis Bay into the thriving economic hub we know today.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that Savva’s investments reflected his love for Namibia. “He came here, invested here, and stayed here. He didn’t take his wealth back home — he reinvested it, creating jobs and opportunities for others,” she added.
“My heart is a canvas of grief”
In an emotional tribute, widow Roulla Savva described her late husband as her best friend and “the greatest gift” of her life.
“My heart is a canvas of grief — torn and bleeding with anguish. The world feels suddenly empty, the very air hollow without your presence. You were my sunshine, my eternal flame. Death may have taken you from my eyes, but it cannot quench the everlasting fire you lit within my soul,” she said.
Savva was laid to rest at the Walvis Bay Cemetery, next to his son Yianni, who died in a car accident in 2010 between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. He is survived by his wife, daughters Despo and Georgia, and three grandchildren.
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