Żeppi l-Ħafi Dies: Malta’s Controversial Business Tycoon Laid to Rest
In the quiet, sun-drenched town of Żurrieq, the scent of jasmine and the hum of bees filled the air as news spread that one of Malta’s most colourful and controversial figures, Joseph Fenech, known as Żeppi l-Ħafi, had passed away at the age of 71.
From Fisherman’s Son to Business Tycoon
Born in the humble fishing village of Marsaxlokk, Fenech was the son of a humble fisherman. Yet, his life took a dramatic turn, transforming him into a business tycoon, a political powerbroker, and a man whose name was synonymous with both success and scandal. His journey was as captivating as the island’s rugged coastline, filled with twists and turns that kept Malta’s chattering classes guessing.
Fenech’s rise to prominence began in the 1970s when he established a successful construction company, Żeppi’s Construction. His empire grew, branching into hospitality, property development, and even media. At the height of his power, he was a formidable figure, his influence stretching from the backrooms of Castille to the bustling streets of Paceville.
Politics and Controversy
Fenech’s political clout was legendary. He was a close confidant of successive prime ministers, from Eddie Fenech Adami to Lawrence Gonzi. Yet, his influence was not without controversy. He was twice convicted for corruption, serving time in prison in the late 1990s. Despite this, he remained a powerful figure, his name whispered in the corridors of power, his influence undiminished.
His political career was as tumultuous as his business life. He was elected to parliament in 1996, representing the Nationalist Party. However, he was later expelled from the party due to his conviction. He ran as an independent, winning re-election in 2008, before losing his seat in 2013. His political career was as colourful as his business life, marked by drama, scandal, and intrigue.
Legacy and Farewell
As the sun set over Żurrieq, casting a golden glow over the town, Fenech was laid to rest. His funeral was a who’s who of Maltese politics and business, a testament to the man’s enduring influence. Love him or loathe him, Żeppi l-Ħafi was a true Maltese original, a man who left an indelible mark on the island’s political and business scene.
As his coffin was lowered into the ground, a question lingered in the air: what would Malta look like without Żeppi l-Ħafi? . But one thing is certain: the island will never forget the man who rose from the humble fishing village of Marsaxlokk to become one of its most powerful and controversial figures.
