Hundreds bid farewell to ‘Otjiwarongo legend’

• Borstlap suffered severe burn wounds after freak accident
Hundreds of people attended Theo Borslap's funeral over the weekend - a beloved resident and philanthropist, successful businessman, and the owner of Theo's Superspar at the town.
Elvira Hattingh
"Corlia and family, today I come to you with the love and sympathy of more than 40 000 residents of Otjiwarongo, who mourn with you during this difficult time."

Those were the words of Otjiwarongo mayor Gotlieb Shivute as hundreds of people gathered at the Paresis Stadium on Friday to bid farewell to Theo Borstlap.

A beloved resident and philanthropist, a businessman and the owner of Theo's Superspar, Borstlap's funeral service was attended by prominent personalities, including vice-president Nangolo Mbumba, as well as local and South African executives from the Spar retail group.

During the service, he was described as someone who loved everyone, who was deeply religious and especially dedicated to his family, particularly his beloved wife.

Shivute recalled Theo's unwavering support for the community, which included monthly financial assistance to vulnerable children and a multipurpose centre in the town.

Legendary

Reverend Fourie van den Berg compared Borstlap to an eagle.

"Nothing could ever bring him down, and he helped many people get back on their feet. He was legendary."

The 68-year-old is survived by his wife, his son Reheul, his daughters Marné Burger and Bernice Celliers, and 11 grandchildren. Also surviving him are his mother Pat, his sisters Tricia van der Walt, Lientjie Roux and Kitty van Wyk, and his older brother Chris.

Borstlap suffered severe burns when he poured petrol on an anthill on his smallholding, which flowed towards an electrified fence and somehow ignited. He received treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg before his death. He underwent skin grafts on his arms, but on 6 June, he died due to cardiac arrest.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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