‘Progressive nationalist’ Von Finckenstein remembered

• EINO VATILENI, ELIASER NDEYANALE, and SAKEUS IIKELA

WINDHOEK’S first Swapo mayor, Björn von Finckenstein, has been described as a progressive nationalist, who never put himself first.

Von Finckenstein died last Friday at Swakopmund at the age of 63.

Martin Shipanga, who was the municipality’s chief executive officer (CEO) when Von Finckenstein served as chairperson of the management committee and mayor, says Von Finckenstein played a role in changing the faces of Katutura and Khomasdal.

Shipanga says Von Finckenstein ensured that road infrastructure, recreational parks, and open markets were developed in these areas.

He also led the upgrading of the now Sam Nujoma Stadium, Shipanga says.

“Dr Finckenstein knew no colour, and he always showed dedication to whatever he needed to do,” he says.

He says Windhoek created relationships with cities in the United States and Europe during Von Finckenstein’s tenure.

“He always showed love to everyone – irrespective of colour and creed. He was always available to serve the people to the best of his ability,” he says.

The former mayor’s family not only lost a father, but also a humble leader, Shipanga says.

“He only served when he was called upon to serve.”

Former acting CEO of Windhoek and long-serving employee George Muyambelo describes Von Finckenstein as one of the city’s councillors who performed his duties well.

“I experienced him as both professional and cordial in his approach,” Muyambelo says.

“Von Finckenstein was very firm on issues regarding his expectations, and how he solved things. We will remember him and the late former mayor Mathew Shikongo, who was also a mayor and chairperson of the management committee,” he says.

“Dr Von Finckenstein was the best management committee chairperson the council has had, because he always came to meetings prepared, and focused on critical issues,” he says.

He says Von Finckenstein understood matters well and did not allow anyone to dictate to him.

“During the time of the late Mathew Shikongo and former minister of presidential affairs Immanuel Ngatjizeko, the City of Windhoek was able to roll out a programme that led to the construction of various markets within the City of Windhoek,” Muyambelo says.

He says they also trained a good number of small and medium enterprises on construction.

“We maintained a high standard and a high level of municipal service delivery. That to me will be the legacy of Von Finckenstein,” Muyambelo says.

Former mayor of Windhoek Fransina Kahungu says many policies were passed during Von Finckestein’s tenure.

“Many people refer to him as a powerful mayor,” she says.

Kahungu says Von Finckenstein rejected indigenous electricity distributors considering Windhoek’s infrastructure.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the City Police, she says, as well as the crafting of the Local Authorities Act of 1992.

“This is the same act all of us are following, although it went through some amendments,” she says.

“During his tenure, the city won itself the title of the cleanest city in Africa,” Kahungu says.

President Hage Geingob last week said the passing on of Von Finckenstein is hard to accept, since he died at an age at which he could still contribute to the development of the country.

Von Finckenstein’s friend and first attorney general, Harmut Ruppel, posted on social media that it was hard to accept that Von Finckenstein has reached the end of his journey.

Von Finckenstein served as chairperson of the management committee in 1992, and as mayor from 1995 to 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, and children.

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