Vatuva helped to dismantle apartheid Bantustans – Geingob

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



President Hage Geingob has described Sylvanus Vatuva, the first governor of the Oshana Region, as a trailblazer, who had been instrumental in dismantling apartheid Bantustans.

Vatuva died at the age of 87 in the Ongwediva Medipark hospital after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday.

He was the founding governor of the Oshana Region after independence and was the first regional councillor for Oshakati East.

Vatuva served as governor of Oshana from 1992 to 1998.

“Governor Sylvanus Vatuva was a trailblazer and dedicated public servant. Comrade Vatuva played a crucial role in assisting the central government in dismantling apartheid Bantustans, and the setting up of administrative structures in the Oshana Region,” Geingob said.

Vatuva's post-independence contributions helped to develop the Oshana Region, he said.

“His contributions in shaping the growth trajectory of the Oshana Region to what it is today are indeed significant.

“I wish to express my sincere condolences to the widow, Mrs Helena Vatuva, the children, the grandchildren and the entire family. May his soul rest in peace.”