Indiscriminate Covid-19 robs Namibia

JEMIMA BEUKESWINDHOEKAs the Covid-19 pandemic is ripping through the country, it has swept through all classes of society, claiming the lives of eminent persons and the least known alike.The executive director in the health ministry, Ben Nangombe, said Covid-19 has unapologetically entered all aspects of social life for all persons regardless of their social standing in community.“This pandemic does not discriminate and it has taught us a lesson that we need to really stand together to combat it. Covid-19 has affected all classes of our society; it has robbed our society of individuals that could still have made a contribution to the development of our country,” he said.He urged Namibians to remain vigilant and to abide by the regulations.Jeff MbakoBy yesterday the death toll in Namibia stood at 108, which includes former presidential aide and liberation stalwart Jeff Mbako, who died in a local hospital at the age of 73.At the time of his passing, President Hage Geingob said his friendship with Mbako started when they were in exile.“I have always relied on his wisdom and wide knowledge of our communities. We have lost a kind and patient person,” said Geingob.Seth BooisAnother prominent community leader who succumbed to Covid-19 was football legend and former Brave Warriors coach Seth Boois, who died last week.The late Boois, who originally hailed from Otjiwarongo, died at the age of 60. He was instrumental in the development of club football in Namibia.Geingob also commended Boois for his contribution to football in the country, saying Namibia has lost a man of many talents.Chandler PlatoAnother community leader and sports legend who was ripped from life by Covid-19 was Chandler Plato, who was regarded a pillar in the community of Walvis Bay.Plato, who was a known rugby administrator, also served as the Swapo Party branch treasurer for the Willie Metzler Narraville branch in Walvis Bay Rural Constituency.At the time of his passing Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Councillor Knowledge Ipinge commended Plato as “a selfless man”.“He chose selflessness over self-preservation and died in his quest to save lives and in the war against the invisible enemy that is Covid-19. We call on Walvis Bay residents to light a candle on the day of his burial to remember his life and celebrate his heroism.”Dirk MudgeVeteran politician Dirk Mudge also succumbed to Covid-19.Mudge served in several high-ranking positions in the South African administration of South West Africa, was the chairman of the 1975-1977 Turnhalle Constitutional Conference, and co-founded the Republican Party (RP) of Namibia as well as the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), now known as the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).Geingob commended Mudge for his role as part of the Constituent Assembly of Namibia.“Although we represented different political backgrounds and ideals, I got to know Dirk Mudge during the drafting of our constitution in 1989 as a leader who was prepared to compromise in the interest of peace and a new Namibia,” the head of state said.Laban ShapangeAnother prominent person who died of Covid-19 was the Omusati regional education director Laban Shapange, who died a fortnight ago at Onandjokwe State Hospital at the age of 51.jemima@namibiansun.com

Indiscriminate Covid-19 robs Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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Indiscriminate Covid-19 robs Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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