DEBMARINE Namibia has announced the passing of its first female seafarer Roswitta ‘Rose’ Matthews, described as “a phenomenal woman and one of our unsung heroes” by the company.
Matthews who died on 11 October, started working for the company in 2005, and will be remembered by colleagues as quiet, yet confident.
Former colleagues Maenge Shipiki-Kali and Florence Ndjahera said Matthews was like a mother hen to most of the female employees that sailed with her.
“She always made it a point to take us under her wing, providing guidance and survival tactics in the heavily male-dominated environment,” they recalled.
The company said she will be forever remembered as gallant, a dedicated pioneer and beacon of excellence in the Debmarine Namibia family.
She is survived by her children Rosy and Angela, and husband Matthews.