Hamba Kahle, great ones

Namibia has been robbed off a great businessman, entrepreneur and a true noble son of the soil who has dedicated three generations of his life to contributing to the Namibian economy. Harold Pupkewitz, born in 1915 was the helm of the group of companies for 75 years, from 1937 to 2012 where he served as Executive Chairman of Pupkewitz Holdings, a group of builders’ merchants, car sale businesses, and a host of other enterprises, from its foundation in 1946 until his death.

Namibia’s business fraternity will never be the same again as Pupkewitz was not only a goal-driven entrepreneur, but also a noble business personality that was always on hand to offer advice or direction if and when called upon by various players in the industry – including central Government.

Pupkewitz, a hands-on businessman, also directed the boards of several important Namibian companies, among them NamPost, NamPower, Telecom Namibia, and MTC Namibia, and served as president of a number of high-profile political and economical institutions.

He never shied away from corporate social responsibility and has in his life time donated millions of dollars to assisting community-based organisations, education and other sectors of Namibia’s vibrant economy. His contribution to Namibia’s economy will be greatly missed.

Pupkewitz’s death comes a few days after the passing on of another great Namibian leader, Ovaherero Chief Alfons Kaihepovazandu Maharero. Maharero needs no introduction to the Namibian nation. As the leading voice in the call for repatriation from the German authorities to his community, Maharero’s contribution to the Ovaherero and indeed the Maharero Royal House will be truly missed.

Having been at the throne of the Maharero Royal house for 42 years, Alfons, a nephew to the iconic Ovaherero leader Samuel Maharero led his nation with great conviction and dedication. The gentle giant of the Maharero clan will be sorely missed for his peaceful approaches to often tense matters threatening to evolve into conflict amongst his community. One such recent memory that comes to mind was a dispute around the location of the clan’s ‘Holy Fire’ at Okahandja, which, although bordering on intense infighting never claimed a single soul’s life – largely due to the manner it was handled. The names of these great leaders in their respective disciplines are deeply engraved into the memories of many Namibians and will feature prominently when the books on Namibia’s business and culture history are written. Rest in peace great ones, until we meet again.