Von Finckenstein was a ‘transformist’ – Hailulu

Von Finckenstein was a ‘transformist’ – Hailulu MATHIAS HAUFIKU



WINDHOEK

Former City of Windhoek CEO Vinson Hailulu described the late Dr Bjorn von Finckenstein as a “transformist” who helped to change the pro-apartheid structural setup of the municipality after independence.

Hailulu, who also described the late mayor as an unsung hero, was Windhoek’s CEO when Von Finckenstein was mayor of the City between 1994 and 1999.

“I always held him in high regard and we worked together very well during the time of transforming the city. At the time, the municipality’s governance structures were the last bastion of apartheid,” he said.

Hailulu added that Von Finckenstein played a key role when it came to reconstructing the strategic direction of the country’s capital in a bid to turn it into an organisation that was more responsive to the needs of residents post-independence.

He said the former mayor also pushed for the bridging of infrastructure between the various communities in the city.

“This included ensuring that there is sufficient infrastructure and services for areas such as Katutura, where most blacks resided. That is also the time we took the decision to extend the tarred road in the Kaiser Street [now Independence Avenue] up until Katutura and the widespread electrification of Katutura,” he said.

Deliberate steps

In terms of human resources, Hailulu said the municipality under Von Finckenstein as the political head had to take deliberate steps to equip black people with the requisite skills to run the operations of the city.

“At the time, we introduced an understudy programme because there were no blacks in management, hence we could not fully implement government’s pro-poor policies while there were people who wanted to maintain the apartheid status quo in the system.”

Dynamic leader

In his message of condolence shared with the media, President Hage Geingob said the nation and the Swapo Party lost a talented and dynamic business leader who played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of the City of Windhoek and the development of its residents.

“Upon our return from exile, as a Swapo member, Von Finckenstein provided us with medical treatment, for which we shall be grateful. His passing is indeed more devastating and difficult for all of us to accept because he passed away at an age when he could still contribute to the development of our country,” he said.

Von Finckenstein studied medicine, and in December 1992, he became the chairperson of the Windhoek City executive. From 1995 to 1998, he was the mayor of Windhoek.