Our WWF ambassador, colleague and friend Africa Izaks’s life of humour and kindness did not come to an end with his death. He created fond memories that we will always remember.
As described by many, “He was such a lively and joyful member of the WWF team and where Africa was, laughter followed”,
“He was the life and soul of the office”,
“His willingness to help and his entertaining stories around a campfire,”
“The best of the Namibian spirit- open, forthright, bright smile, kind, funny”,
“Attentive, kind, joyful, funny, just a wonderful human being,
“Caring, humorous, and helpful personality’’,
“Africa was one of the people who made the earth a better place to live”,
“A respected and trusted colleague who greeted visitors with a beautiful smile or a happy story about his love for WWF and/or his country.”
Africa passed away on 04 July 2021 in Windhoek. He joined WWF Namibia in 2011 as an Assistant Office Administration who worked with various partners within the conservation sector. He loved being in the field and interacting with various people. He developed personal relationships with people both locally and internationally. Everybody that met him became fond of him. He was a kind and cheerful man whose jokes and laughter filled any room.
On behalf of NACSO, we did not just lose a colleague, but we have lost a friend to everyone in the CBNRM sector. He was a joyful, helpful, and valuable colleague and the gap he left will always remain void. NACSO appreciated his exceptional sense of humour and cheerful personality. Africa was a man of his words, always trustworthy. We knew him as a dedicated colleague, who pursued excellence.
He was very instrumental to the office, especially for our logistic needs and vehicle maintenance- very knowledgeable and well informed in fleet administration and general community related matters. His support in the fieldwork was remarkable and his interpersonal skills will forever be missed. Without any hesitations, Africa was always willing to help, and he was reliable and organized. He portrayed interest in conservation issues in general and was well-liked by the conservancy communities that we visited. He valued the importance of community-based conservation, and he was always eager to learn about conservation matters. NACSO would normally take out international colleagues into the field, and Africa was always one of the co-drivers. The visitors will be impressed by his driving skills and patience.
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and everyone who interacted with this memorable man. We are grateful for the wonderful memories that he has left us with, and we hope to carry on his beautiful and bubbly spirit
May his soul rest in eternal peace. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.
To share a memory of Africa or send a condolence to his family please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/africa-izaks/.