Rehoboth mourns death of young mayor
Leaders throughout the Rehoboth town over the weekend shared their memories of Rehoboth mayor Rudi van Wyk, who succumbed to Covid-19 in a hospital, after battling the pandemic for a few days.
The 40-year-old mayor swept to power in November’s local elections on the ticket of Rehoboth Independent Town Management Association (Ritma), a resident’s association he helped found last year. Before he was elected to the mayoral position, Van Wyk was elected Ritma’s president in May.
Announcing his passing on Saturday morning, Ritma chairperson Enrico Junius said Van Wyk was a “friend to many” in Rehoboth and was well known by the residents of the town.
“Rudi laid the groundwork for the Rehoboth residents; let us continue the legacy. Rudi once told me that he will make sure no one’s water was cut at Rehoboth; he said he wanted to eradicate shacks in
Rehoboth – let us continue where he left,” he said.
Member of Parliament (MP) and Rehoboth resident Jan van Wyk yesterday described Van Wyk’s passing as a great loss to the town.
“Rudi did a lot for Rehoboth in a small space of time. He was a dedicated young man, who stood by his words. We are still in shock. May his soul rest in peace,” Van Wyk said.
Residents took to the streets of the town on Saturday afternoon in a huge convoy of cars and bikes to pay tribute to the late mayor.
The town was further shaken by the news of the passing of legendary businessman Johannes Nicolaas (Oom Land) Benade yesterday afternoon. He was 91 years old.
Meanwhile, minister of health Dr Kalumbi Shangula on Saturday announced that Namibia had recorded 1 399 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 64 205.
He also announced 12 Covid-19 related deaths.
Khomas recorded the highest number of new infections at 664, followed by Erongo with 158, Otjozondjupa 111, Omaheke 100, Oshana 95, //Kharas 81, Kavango East 42, Oshikoto 37, Hardap 34, Ohangwena 30 and Omusati with 20.
Zambezi recorded 19 cases, Kunene seven and Kavango West one.