President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Namibians from all walks of life united on Friday night to honour and reflect on the life of the late iconic businessman, John Savva at Walvis Bay.

Savva died last week Saturday.

Politicians, prominent community members, religious and business leaders, the youth, residents, friends and many others joined the mourning family at Jan Wilken Stadium to remember John Savva's legendary life.

Fifty-nine years ago, he arrived in Namibia as an 18-year-old immigrant from Cyprus with determination and courage.

He started from the bottom, working at times as a bartender. 

Through hard work, integrity, humility and a love for people, Savva managed to build a life of economic prosperity which he generously shared with Namibians from all walks of life.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took mourners on memory lane about the life of the late businessman.

"One of the things he was known for was being generous without being noisy about it, reminding us that not all good deeds need to be published. We know that people like Savva have added to the chapter of the Maxuililis, now another chapter must come and its a challenge to all of us. His legacy is engraved not only in the landmarks he built, but in the countless lives he touched. As we bid farewell to this great economic hero and friend of our nation, let us reflect on his timeless wisdom: "Be humble, be yourself, and recognize everybody around you." 
Savva's widow, Roulla described him as a selfless man who inspired them and made them realise that life is not about how high you climb, but how much you lift others on your way. 

"My dearest people of Namibia, we have lost a hero, a true statesman, a man whose life was dedicated and devoted wholly to the well-being of the people of this country and the prosperity of this nation. I vow to continue his legacy. Rest well, my king, my hero, my true love of my life," she emphasised.

His daughter, Georgia Hadjidakis had this to say.

"His love for Namibia ran through his veins. Please take care of one another. Take care of this beautiful town. Take care of our beautiful country. Daddy is watching from above. Don't let him down. " 

The late Savva was a friend to many prominent leaders, including founding President Sam Nujoma and former presidents Nangolo Mbumba and Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Mbumba said Savva was a man of purpose, "a man of talent and self-belief, and he lived a life committed to the growth and development of Walvis Bay and Namibia at large."

Savva set up numerous buildings, including the Atlantic Hotel, Venus Supermarket, Afrodite Beach and Yianni Savva Police Station.

The late diplomat donated one thousand-600 palm trees to help turn the way to Walvis Bay into one of the longest palm-lined roads in the world.