THE Gobabis community has been left saddened following the death of Louis van der Merwe, the farmer who initiated the erection of the famous Brahman bull statue at the town.
Van der Merwe (74) died on Saturday after he was admitted to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek a week ago.
He was a businessman and prominent farmer and breeder of Brahman and Sussex cattle.
Van der Merwe served on the Gobabis Town Council as well as the show society at the town, and held numerous other titles over the course of his career. When the statue was knocked down by strong winds last year, Van der Merwe used his own resources to have it re-erected, his family says.
The family in a statement yesterday said the bull statue remains an icon of the Omaheke region, or 'Cattle
Country'.
“His life story serves as an example to all Namibians that cooperation and hard work can overcome socio-economic, cultural and racial barriers to strengthen communities and enrich the lives around us,” family member Jonel van Schalkwyk said.
She said Van der Merwe was suffering from severe pulmonary fibrosis, which involves lung damage due to prolonged exposure to dust and other particles.
The family said it is commonly referred to as 'ploughman's disease' as this condition is mostly found among people working in the farming, mining and construction industries.
“His memorial service will take place on Wednesday, 17 August, at the NG church South at Gobabis from 11h00,” Van Schalkwyk said.
“Louis van der Merwe Senior will forever be loved and admired for his honourable life and extraordinary achievements,” she said.
She said he worked tirelessly to acquire his farmland, to build up his estate, and to earn the trust and respect of his loved ones and the community.
Van Schalkwyk said Van der Merwe would be dearly missed by many people from all walks of life and across communities far and wide.
“His legacy remains an inspiration and an example that will live forth with his wife, three sons and seven grandchildren,” she said.
The family said all mourners are invited to Van der Merwe's memorial service.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani yesterday took to social media to offer his condolences to the Van der Merwe family.
“Received news of the veteran farmer of the Omaheke region, Mr Louis van der Merwe. He made a sterling contribution to the agriculture industry through his skilful acumen and resilience,” Venaani wrote.
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