FORMER City of Windhoek mayor Björn von Finckenstein died on Friday at the age of 63.
President Hage Geingob on social media said Swapo and Namibia have lost a talented and dynamic leader, who played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of the City of Windhoek and the development of its residents.
“When we returned from exile, as a Swapo member, he provided us with medical treatment, for which we shall be grateful,” Geingob said.
He said Von Finckenstein’s death is devastating and hard to accept as he passed away at an age that he could still contribute to the development of the country.
Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein said the world is poorer without Von Finckenstein.
“We are shocked and pushed into deep sadness about the passing on of our dear friend Finki (Dr Björn von Finckenstein).”
Schlettwein described the former mayor as a true friend for 40 years, with whom he shared good and bad times.
“His generosity, his frankness and honesty, his joy for life, and his compassion will be missed dearly,” the minister said.
Von Finckenstein, who was Swapo’s first mayor of Windhoek, served in various positions on Windhoek’s municipal council, including being chairperson of the management committee in 1992, and mayor from 1995 to 1998.
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