Africa-Press – Namibia. MINISTER of works and transport John Mutorwa has recounted his near-death Covid-19 experience, saying that the ordeal left him “almost good as dead”.
Mutorwa was rushed to the Roman Catholic Hospital on the night of 11 June, where he remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) for almost a month. “I was almost as good as dead because of this Covid-19 thing. It was quite an experience. It was tough,” he told The Namibian last month.
Mutorwa was eventually discharged on 3 August but still deals with the after-effects of Covid-19 and attends physiotherapy and biokinetics sessions three times a week.
A leave of absence for an indefinite period was submitted to parliament for Mutorwa in September. The minister of agriculture, water and land reform Calle Schlettwein took charge of the works and transport ministry while Mutorwa was ill.
Mutorwa has since returned to work, albeit cautiously. “I don’t want to overwork myself because it was very serious. Everyone is advising me to take it slowly at least for a month and take care of myself, but I am okay,” says Mutorwa who was welcomed back to parliament with applause.
“I now attend meetings physically. I even go to parliament, but I am taking it slowly when it comes to office work. I sign documents, then come back home,” he says.
Mutorwa believes he contracted Covid-19 while on a familiarisation visit with officials from the Roads Authority to Grootfontein, Rundu and the Zambezi region.
“While on a boat at Impalila Island, it was very cold but I didn’t think it was anything serious,” Mutorwa says.
However, his condition worsened when he returned to Windhoek on 7 June. He visited his doctor the following day, where he was given medication and advised to go for Covid-19 testing. The results came a day later and showed that he was positive.
“Sleeping eventually became tough. I struggled to get up to go to the hospital. I was admitted into the hospital on 11 June but I can’t remember how I went there. My doctor told me that my oxygen levels were so low at 35.
“The body was really weak. There were rumours about me being dead. I don’t really blame anyone for thinking that I was gone because even some family members thought I wouldn’t make it,” says Mutorwa.
The minister has now received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. At a time when Namibia’s Covid-19 cases have declined, Mutorwa still encourages people to get vaccinated.
Namibia has recorded more than 129 000 Covid-19 cases and more than 3 550 deaths since March 2020. “We need to prevent more deaths. I got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on 9 October. That’s what my doctor advised me to get. There were no after-effects.”
In late October, Mutorwa took a trip to Rundu to show family members and friends that he was now well. “After that experience, I had to come and tell them that the good Lord said my time has not yet come.” Mutorwa has written a letter to thank hospital staff.
“I am conveying to you, Dr [Ishmael] Katjitae, not only in your professional capacity, as a medical doctor, but also as person, human being – my most deepest gratitude and sincere thanks for the wonderful, caring, empathetic and professional medical attention and assistance.”
Mutorwa also thanked nursing staff, cleaners, kitchen staff and physiotherapists, among others. “May the almighty God continue to bless and strengthen you all, particularly during this most challenging and difficult time. (This is) at a time when all humanity, everywhere is directly and equally affected and confronted by the deadly Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Mutorwa previously occupied the portfolio of minister of education, and was also at the helm of the agriculture ministry. Covid-19 has taken the lives of several Namibian politicians such as former member of parliament Mandela Kapere, Democratic Turnhalle Alliance founder Dirk Mudge, and veteran politician chief Vekuii Rukoro.
Others include deputy minister of works and transport Kilus Nguvauva, former head of the Ovaherero genocide negotiations team Zedekia Ngavirue, lieutenant generals John Mutwa and Lucas Hangula, and professor Mburumba Kerina.
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