Renthia Kaimbi
As the Walvis Bay community laid businessman John Savva to rest on Saturday, stories of his quiet generosity revealed the deep personal impact he had on the lives of many.
Among them is the Namhadi family, who say Savva gave their son not only life but the chance to live it fully.
A decade ago, Martha Namhadi, a camera operator at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), faced a desperate situation when her three-month-old son, Paulus Shilongo Justice Haidula, was diagnosed with a hole in his heart.
“My son was at the brink of losing his life, and each passing day posed a risk. The doctor informed us that he needed urgent surgery to save him,” she said. But her family could not afford the cost of travelling to Cape Town for the operation.
“Amidst this struggle, a hero, Uncle Savva, emerged,” Namhadi recalled. She said Savva comforted her with a promise: “Martha, don’t worry. I will fly you and your baby on a direct flight to Cape Town. Don’t worry, your son will be OK.”
Savva gave her two plane tickets and money for expenses, allowing the family to travel immediately. The surgery in Cape Town was successful and saved the baby’s life.
“Thank you, uncle, for giving our son a chance to live,” Namhadi said. “We made it on time, and our son’s operation was successful.”
Savva stayed in touch with the family over the years. “Since then, Uncle Savva has remained in touch with my son,” she said.
In May this year, he sponsored a trip for Justice, now ten, to Kenya to take part in a chess tournament. “My son usually calls him ‘My Uncle Savva, who saved my life,’” Namhadi said. “Justice performed exceptionally well in his games.”
Savva often spoke about the importance of sharing what one has. During the 2014 handover, he said, “We came with nothing into this world and we will return with nothing, as we will leave the wealth behind. This is why it is important for me to share what I have. All of us have a moral responsibility for the future of this country, and I am just doing my bit.”
Namhadi described Savva as a man who valued people for their humanity. “I have been around prominent people, but Uncle Savva is the only one I know who didn’t see colour or status beyond humanity,” she said.
She called him a teacher and “an uncle of wisdom,” recalling the lessons he shared with her: “first, how to live within my financial limits; second, to always apply diplomacy in everything I do to achieve my goals.”
For the Namhadi family, Savva will be remembered not only as a businessman but as a guardian whose compassion lives on in a child’s heartbeat and a mother’s gratitude.
“He will be remembered by many for his generous heart,” Namhadi said. “We should keep Madam Savva in our prayers during this difficult time. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”
