A memorial service was held in Walvis Bay for Robert Kengele, who died on 13 August 2026 after becoming ill during a period of industrial action by workers at the company where he was employed.

Kengele had been employed at a fishing company since 2015. His death has deeply affected colleagues who were participating in a protest outside the company’s premises over concerns about wages and working conditions. According to fellow worker Chris, employees had been sleeping at the company’s main gate during the industrial action. Chris said Kengele told him one evening that he could not join the group because he was experiencing back pain and believed he had developed a cold.

Chris said he advised Kengele to remain at home and rest. When Kengele returned to the protest site the following day, he reportedly told colleagues that he was feeling better, although he had not fully recovered. “He said, ‘I’m much better, but I’m not that much better,” Chris recalled. Chris said Kengele was again advised to return home and rest.

Later that evening, at about 22:00, colleagues were informed that Kengele had died. Chris said Kengele’s sister, Paulina, arrived at the protest site and informed workers of her brother’s death. The circumstances surrounding Kengele’s illness and death have caused concern among some of his colleagues. However, there is currently no official information confirming the cause of death or establishing any connection between his death and the industrial action, the protest conditions or his employment.

The memorial service also became an opportunity for labour representatives to raise wider concerns about workers’ wellbeing. Trade Union Congress of Namibia and Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union president Paulus Hango said Kengele had worked for the Fishing company for more than a decade and described his death as particularly painful for workers involved in the ongoing labour dispute. Hango spoke about concerns including wages, workplace pressure, stress and living conditions. “Workers are working under pressure. They are underpaid.

Some of the employers are exploiting the workers,” Hango said. These remarks represent the union’s position and are not independent findings about the company or its employment practices. Hango also raised concerns about conditions in informal settlements, saying some workers and their families may face overcrowding and limited access to basic facilities. He said difficult living and working conditions can contribute to stress and affect people’s overall wellbeing. “We need to improve the lives of our people. That’s why we are here struggling for the rights of the workers,” he said. The memorial service was attended by colleagues and others who gathered to remember Kengele and pay their respects to his family.

By Rudi Bowe