Rehoboth mourns iconic entrepreneur

The community of Rehoboth is mourning the death of businessman Johannes Nicolaas Benade, affectionately known as ‘Oom Land’.

Benade died on 13 June at the age of 91.

He was the founder of the town’s first groceries shop, known as Volkswinkel, in 1967. The shop now trades under the Spar franchise.

Benade started his business on meagre savings as start-up capital and over time graduated to operate in the formal sector.

SME Compete director Danny Meyer described Benade as a loved and highly respected entrepreneur who created one of Namibia’s most successful family-owned enterprises.

“Oom Land epitomised how business should and must be conducted. Demonstrated what is required of an entrepreneur when it comes to serving customers. It rubbed off on many who will attest that they emulated his business habits and style in starting and growing business,” said Meyer.

Benade spent most of each day’s working hours between the shelves of Volkswinkel Spar interacting with customers, whom he prioritised.

Community activist Rynault van Wyk added that the death of Benade has left the town of Rehoboth poorer.

“Rehoboth lost a citizen worthy of imitation, not because his storerooms were packed, but for the man he was, the people he touched along the way, the lasting impressions he made with each and every one he would cross paths with,” said Van Wyk.

Several of Benade’s children followed in his footsteps and today operate successful enterprises in the business arena.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.