FROM the ox wagon to Twitter, late Namibian businessman Harold Pupkewitz spanned generations of change.
And on Friday mainly young Namibians took to one of this generation’s pre-eminent tools of communication, Twitter, to pay tribute to a man who has left an indelible mark on the Namibian psyche.I wonder if Mr Pupkewitz (97), who joined the family business just after it moved from being an ox wagon manufacturing enterprise to that of a general dealer, would have been surprised to find himself the trending topic on the social micro-blogging site; or to find the words of global rapping sensation J Cole being used to commend him?Among others, politicians and musicians, students and young professionals, hailed his business acumen and commitment to hard work in tweets marked by admiration, even affection.Just a few of the comments and condolences from Twitter:@Elao_Na: Pupkewitz is really gone? Am in disbelief. He was as strong as an oak tree. RIP@Iya_loo: Tate kulu wetu wa,, RIP Tatekulu Pupkewitz [farewell to a father figure]@ebbaf24: I thought he was immortal, but at 97, Harry #Pupkewitz proved me wrong one last time. Bloodyminded, bloody brilliant. Already missed.@Stigahh: Our Elder Harold Pupkewitz has left us! Sad indeed for such a great entrepreneur! May your soul rest in eternal peace!@ngurare: May the Soul of Mr Harold Pupkewitz Rest In Eternal Peace. We have a lot to learn from his life. Deepest condolences to the bereaved family!@RuCuteGeek: #RIP Harold Pupkewitz you were one ambitious man. A role model indeed.@DavidTocks: ‘Harold Pupkewitz just pass, life is short’ J Cole (international rapper); my condolences …@MekondjoLegend: This guy I found at the party keeps telling me about girls… I just want to keep it real in memory of Mr Pupkewitz.@Coco_Chanelle: One of the few Namibian businessmen I look up to … RIP Mr H Pupkewitz …@viccidan: A Namibian success story: Harold Pupkewitz #RIP@namunyakk: Time to rest for one great business mind … RIP@blakshuz: R.I.P to Harold Pupkewitz!!! That’s a legend right there!! Namibian icon and pioneer. You paved the way!@docman07: May your soul rest in peace Mr Harold Pupkewitz. You played a very big part in the development of corporate Namibia #RIP@TheWolfGangJohn: Mr. Harold Pupkewitz (14 July 1915 – 27 April 2012), a pioneer in Namibian industry and a true example of excellence. Farewell, Sir.@Tempewa: Mr #PUPKEWITZ … all I have to say.@kamweshi: RIP Mr Pupkewitz, You are a Namibian legend!@pascalhantz: R.I.P Mnr Harold Pupkewitz (97). Your contribution to the Namibian trade and economic basket will forever be celebrated. True Pioneer.@Omuze_Merc_Youri: The passing away of Pupkewitz really shows the icon lived to work … If only more could be like him … No one will fill his shoes #RIP@Issai_Twali: Pupkewitz is dead … RIP his soul should. Swapo has lost an economic encyclopaedia@ktamuka_1: He left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten. Real man who worked hard for what he had. R.I.P Harold Pupkewitz@ThatBoy_Ndangi: RIP Mr Pupkewitz. Died a working man. Much respect.@SadiyyaA: RIP Harold Pupkewitz… Business Legend … Inspiring visionary- Compiled by Jean Sutherland from twitter.com
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