Allexer Namundjembo and Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Just hours after laying to rest Founding President, Sam Nujoma, the country was struck by the loss of two influential figures, Jacob Hamutenya and Charles Siyauya.
Hamutenya, a well-known agriculturalist, died in a car accident between Otavi and Otjiwarongo on Sunday afternoon, along with two others.
Many have described his death as a huge loss to the country.
Hamutenya served as the regional manager for the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) in Ongwediva when he was 26 years old.
He also served on the boards of various organisations.
AMTA expressed deep sorrow on its social media platforms, stating that Hamutenya had dedicated 11 years to the organisation.
“Hamutenya served AMTA with dedication and commitment for the past 11 years, making significant contributions to the agricultural sector by promoting Namibia’s food security systems and self-reliance,” the post reads.
The National Youth Services (NYS) described the late Hamutenya as a dynamic and formidable leader while he served as vice-chairperson.
“His passion and commitment to empowering youth were evident in every aspect of his work. He played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the service and was also a member of the business development committee,” the statement reads.
Affirmative Repositioning leader, Job Amupanda paid tribute to Hamutenya, calling him a close friend and a key figure in community development.
“One day, we are in Iipumbu Hostels, hustling and planning for the future, and the next, I’m standing there, a keynote speaker at your graduation. One day, we return to the same school, Iipumbu, more than ten years later, to repaint it and put in a new gate, giving back to the place that shaped us. And then, one day, you come back to become the school board chairperson,” Amupanda wrote.
In another tragic loss, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) announced the death of its Secretary General, Charles Siyauya, on Monday morning. Siyauya passed away at a hospital in Windhoek.
Cassius Moeti, who has been appointed acting secretary general, confirmed Siyauya’s death, calling it a shock to the football community.
“Yes, indeed, I can confirm the untimely and unfortunate passing of our general secretary, Charles Siyauya, this morning at a local hospital,” Moeti said.
Siyauya had been in a meeting with officials from the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and the NFA executive council on Sunday when he began feeling unwell.
He was allowed to go home and later taken to the hospital, where he passed away.
NFA president Robert Shimooshili appointed Siyauya, a native of the Zambezi region, as NFA Secretary General in April 2024.
He had formerly worked at the University of Namibia and took over the role, which had been vacant since the departure of Franco Cosmos..
