By: Hellen Andreas
Prominent businessman Tobias Amadhila has described the departed northern businessman Johannes Endjala as a hardworking person whose business leadership is worth emulating.
Endjala’s brother Joseph said the death of Akapandi (58) has affected the nation, not only the family but most of the entire country.
Akapandi, the co-owner of Johnny & Penny Group, died at the weekend.
Joseph said Akapandi contracted Covid-19 and was in the hospital for a month.
“We thought he would pull through, but Joseph said the doctors pronounced him dead on Sunday afternoon,” Joseph said.
He described his late brother as a people’s person and that he helped many people in different ways.
“My brother was a businessperson, but we know him as a hero and will be remembered by many.”
Speaking to The Villager on Monday, Amadhila said the death of Endjala, who is commonly known as ‘Akapandi’, is a great loss to the business community.
According to him, Endjala died at a time when he still had so much to do, including creating jobs locally and abroad.
“I met Akapandi in 1980 in Windhoek when we were looking for a job. We then met in business when we all owned small businesses, which we grew into bigger businesses.
“He was hardworking. That’s why we voted for him to represent us in the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” Amadhila said.
He said that he and Endjala worked together in the NCCI when Endjala was the president.
“I would like to urge his family to continue where he has left. His businesses should not collapse. Even if the owner has passed on, the business should continue so that the young generation can also learn from his craft.
“We send our condolences to Endjala’s family, NCCI and the entire business community. We have lost a formidable leader, and his businesses should continue,” Amadhila said.
The sports industry has also been hit hard by the dark cloud of his passing.
The founder of Bulelo Boxing Academy, Hedison Nghipondoka “Bulelo”, said Endjala’s death has affected him psychologically.
“The late Akapandi was a hardworking, committed, dedicated, trustworthy and determined man. He was a man of his words and was always willing to give back smilingly to the community.”
Nghipondoka added that since the establishment of Bulelo Boxing Academy, Akapandi accommodated the sports activities, particularly boxing tournaments in the hall of Ekamuti lodge in Ondangwa.
“He can simply sponsor beyond the budget. He can even tell you that your budget can make you not carry your event effectively”.
Funeral arrangements are underway.
