The former Governor of the Erongo Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua has died of COVID-19-related complications. He was 57 years old. SWAPO's regional coordinator in Erongo, Daniel Muhura confirmed Mutjavikua's death to NBC News. The former Governor died in a hospital at Grootfontein, where he was being treated for COVID-19. After testing positive weeks ago, Mutjavikua isolated at his farm near Grootfontein. Muhura told NBC News that he last spoke to Mutjavikua a few days ago. He said Mutjavikua never informed him about his condition and did not show any sign of being ill either. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. Mutjavikua, who was a vocal trade unionist, served as the Governor of Erongo for 10 years before stepping down in 2020. Meanwhile, President Hage Geingob, while expressing condolences, hailed Mutjavikua's pre and post-independence contributions, in various capacities, as noteworthy.