List Of Namibians
   HOME

TheInfoList



Click Here for Items Related To - List Of Namibians
OR:
List Of Namibians on:   [Wikipedia]   [Google]   [Amazon]

This is a list of
Namibia Namibia (, ), officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and ea ...
ns who are famous.


Artists


Visual artists

*
Dieter Aschenborn Dieter Aschenborn (15 November 1915 in Okahandja, Namibia – September 2002 in Windhoek, Namibia) was a Namibian painter.
, wildlife painter and designer of postal stamps * Hans Aschenborn, wildlife painter and illustrator *
Uli Aschenborn Hans Ulrich "Uli" Aschenborn (born 6 September 1947 in Johannesburg, South Africa) is a Southern African animal painter.
, wildlife painter and sculptor *
Margaret Courtney-Clarke Margaret Courtney-Clarke (born 1949) is a Namibian documentary photographer and photojournalist, living in Swakopmund. Her work "frequently explores the resilience of communities enduring the rapidly shifting landscapes of Namibia." Courtney-Clarke ...
, documentary photographer *
Koos van Ellinckhuijzen Jacobus Johannes "Koos" van Ellinckhuijzen (20 September 1942 – 6 September 2016) was a Namibian visual artist. He was most noted for his work on Namibian and South-West African postage stamps. Biography Van Ellinckhuijzen was born to Dutch pare ...
(1942–2016), painter, designer of postal stamps and graphic designer * Tony Figueira (1959–2017), photographer *
Joel Haikali Joel Haikali is a Namibian director, film producer and writer. He released his first feature film ''My Father's Son'' in 2011. He has also produced several short films, including ''Differences'' (2008), ''African Cowboy'' (2011) and ''Try'' (2012) ...
, film director *
Oshosheni Hiveluah Oshosheni Hiveluah (22 October 1981 – 10 October 2019) was a Namibian writer, producer, and director. She is best known for the films ''Tjitji the Himba Girl'' and ''100 Bucks.'' Early life and education Oshosheni was born in Luanda, Angola o ...
, film director and writer * Tim Huebschle, film director and screenwriter *
Adolph Jentsch Adolph Stephan Friedrich Jentsch (29 December 1888 Dresden – 18 April 1977 Windhoek) was a German-born Namibian artist. He studied at the Dresden ''Staatsakademie für Bildende Künste'' (Dresden Art Academy, today's ''College of Fine Arts'') ...
, painter *
Perivi Katjavivi Perivi John Katjavivi, is a Namibian-British filmmaker. He has made several critically acclaimed films including ''Eembwiti'', ''The Unseen'' and ''Film Festival Film''. Apart from direction, he is also a producer, writer, camera operator, actor, ...
, film director *
Helga Kohl Helga Kohl is a photographer born in Poland and based in Namibia whose work explores abandoned diamond mine towns in Namibia. Her main series of buildings in Kolmanskop show how the Namib desert's sands have reclaimed abandoned buildings. She is ...
, photographer * Nicky Marais, painter *
Cecil Moller Cecil Moller (born 1967) is a Namibian film director and producer. Biography Moller was born in Namibia in 1967 and came to the United States to study art. Interested in magical realism, he received his bachelor's degree in communications from R ...
, film director * Kerry McNamara (1940–2017), architect *
John Muafangejo John Ndevasia Muafangejo (born 5 October 1943 in Etunda lo Nghadi, Angola; died 27 November 1987 in Katutura Township, Windhoek) was a Namibian artist who became internationally known as a maker of woodcut prints. He created linocuts, woodcuts a ...
(1943–1987), woodcutter and linocutter *
Richard Pakleppa Richard Pakleppa (born 1961) is a white Namibian screenwriter, film director and film producer. Pakleppa studied philosophy and theatre in Munich, Germany and gained a Honours Degree in African studies from the University of Cape Town. Since 1 ...
, film director and screenwriter * Bridget Pickering, film producer *
Wilhelm Sander Wilhelm Sander (10 December 1860, in Berlin – 22 November 1930, in Lüderitz) was a master architect and contractor working for Sander & Kock known for his work in German South West Africa, today's Namibia. Sander studied Civil engineering in ...
(1860–1930), architect *
Max Siedentopf Maximilian "Max" Siedentopf (born 27 June 1991) is a Namibian-German artist, designer, publisher and director. He is known for having set up an installation titled ''Toto Forever'' in the Namib Desert which consists of a ring of large white bloc ...
, artist


Literary artists

*
Joseph Diescho Joseph Diescho (born 10 April 1955) is a Namibian writer and political analyst. In 1988, he wrote ''Born of the Sun'', the first novel by a native-born Namibian author. Biography Born in Andara, Kavango Region,Dorian Haarhoff, poet *
Mvula ya Nangolo Mvula ya Nangolo (9 August 1943 – 25 April 2019) was a Namibian journalist and poet. He was born in Oniimwandi on 9 August 1943 and grew up in Lüderitz and later Windhoek. He joined the independence movement SWAPO at the age of 18 and later m ...
, journalist and poet *
Sylvia Schlettwein Sylvia Schlettwein (born 16 November 1975) is a Namibian writer, teacher, translator and literary critic. She was the Head of the Department for Languages and Communication at the International University of Management in the capital Windhoek. B ...
, literary critic and short story author *
Christi Warner Christi Warner is a British Namibian-born R&B singer, songwriter, poet, theatre for development practitioner and freelance journalist for the New Era ArtLife. Career Warner is probably best known for her role as television presenter "Lady Makh ...
, performance poet, playwright


Performing artists

*
Nǃxau ǂToma Nǃxau ǂToma (short: Nǃxau, alternative spelling Gcao Tekene Çoma or Coma; 1944 – 5 July 2003) was a Namibian San people, bush farmer and actor who starred in the 1980 film ''The Gods Must Be Crazy'' and its sequels, in which he played th ...
, bush farmer and actor *
Atushe Atushe (born John Namweya, 26 August 1976, Tsumeb, Namibia) is a Namibian musician, based in Windhoek, Namibia. With a career spanning nine years, he has produced numerous hits and five albums to date. Atushe started singing at an early age in a ...
, Kizomba singer *
Beate Baumgartner Beate Baumgartner (born 9 May 1983), also known as "Yola B", is an Austrian-Namibian singer. She was born in Windhoek, South-West Africa (now Namibia), and gained her initial fame by participating in the talent show '' Starmania'' in 2002–3. Sh ...
, pop singer *
Sally Boss Madam Sally Ephraim Keya, commonly known as Sally Boss Madam, (born 13 May 1986), is a Namibian Afro-fusion singer and performer. She gained fame after the release of her single 'Boss Madam' in the year 2012 which earned her an award at the Namibian A ...
, musician, songwriter *
D-Naff Naftalie Shigwedha Amukwelele (born 1 January 1974) commonly known as D-Naff, is a Namibian multiple award-winning and top selling Gospel rap, rapper /singer, actor and a former street gangster. D-Naff sings inspirational Gospel / religious mus ...
, rapper *
The Dogg Martin Morocky (born 31 March 1983), known by his stage name as The Dogg (or King TeeDee), is a Namibian musician. Considered a kwaito artist, his debut album, '' Shimaliw' Osatana'', was released in 2004 to mixed reviews. The Dogg was part ...
, musician, songwriter * EES, rapper * Exit, musician *
Gal Level Gal Level is a R&B female duo from Windhoek, Namibia, made up of Daphne Willibard (born 1 April 1981) and Frieda Haindaka (born 1 February 1984). They are very popular in Southern Africa, and other African countries. They are produced and manage ...
, musician * Gazza, musician, songwriter *
Jericho Jericho ( ; ar, أريحا ; he, יְרִיחוֹ ) is a Palestinian city in the West Bank. It is located in the Jordan Valley, with the Jordan River to the east and Jerusalem to the west. It is the administrative seat of the Jericho Gove ...
, rapper * Big Ben Kandukira, guitarist * Jackson Kaujeua, singer * Stefan Ludik, musician * Lady May, musician, dancer * Riana Nel, singer-songwriter *
Nianell Nianell (born September 25, 1971 as Sonia Aletta Nel in Omaruru, Namibia) is a singer, pianist, guitarist, and composer. Biography After growing up in Windhoek, Nianell graduated with a three-year diploma in light music from Pretoria Technikon ...
, musician *
Franja du Plessis Franja du Plessis (born 2 January 1994) is a Namibian singer-songwriter. She appeared in the 2013 film ''As jy sing'' as Marna. Her debut album, ''My verhaal'' ("My Story"), went platinum in 2016. She is the daughter of singer Juanita du Plessis a ...
, pop singer, actress *
Juanita du Plessis Juanita du Plessis (née Naudé; born April 26) is a Namibian Afrikaans country singer. She became known for her song ''Ska-Rumba''. Du Plessis' singing career began in 1998 with her debut album ''Juanita''. That year she won the CMA (Country M ...
, country singer *
Quido Le-Roy Quido Mohamed (16 August 1989), who performs under the name Quido, is a Namibian rapper Rapping (also rhyming, spitting, emceeing or MCing) is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street ver ...
, rapper *
Ras Sheehama Ras Sheehama (born in 1966 in northern Namibia) is a Namibian reggae musician. The political pro-SWAPO stance of his father David Sheehama, forced him into exile in 1979 to Angola and Zambia. There he started to develop his love for the reggae ...
, singer *
Stella Stella or STELLA may refer to: Art, entertainment, and media Comedy *Stella (comedy group), a comedy troupe consisting of Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black and David Wain Characters *Stella (given name), including a list of characters with th ...
, pop singer * Sunny Boy, rapper, lyricist, songwriter * TeQuila, singer * Top Cheri, singer *
Tre Van Die Kasie Tretius Kauhangengo (born 1981), better known as Tre Van Die Kasie, most commonly referred to as Tre is a Namibian kwaito musician and rapper. Tre rose to fame after signing with Mshasho Productions in 2005. He is the half brother of fellow kwait ...
, kwaito singer *
Christi Warner Christi Warner is a British Namibian-born R&B singer, songwriter, poet, theatre for development practitioner and freelance journalist for the New Era ArtLife. Career Warner is probably best known for her role as television presenter "Lady Makh ...
, singer, television presenter


Businesspeople

*
Tom Alweendo Thomas Kavaningilamo Alweendo (born 17 March 1958 in Omusheshe, Oshana Region) is a Namibian politician who has been Minister of Mines and Energy since 2018. In 1997, he became the first Namibian Governor of the Bank of Namibia when he replaced ...
, Head of the National Planning Commission * Tangeni Amupadhi, editor of ''
The Namibian ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
'' * Johnny Doeseb, owner of
Eleven Arrows F.C. The Eleven Arrows are a professional football in Namibia, Namibian football club from Walvis Bay. They play in the country's highest division, the Namibia Premier League. Achievements *Namibia Premier League: 1 ::1991 *NFA-Cup: 1 ::2011 Perform ...
in Walvis Bay * Johannes ǃGawaxab, governor of the Bank of Namibia *
Monica Geingos Monica Geingos (née Kalondo; born 15 November 1976) is a Namibian entrepreneur, lawyer and First Lady of Namibia since 2015. She has been a board member and director within many of the country's large companies. She had also chaired the Presid ...
, First Lady and owner of Stimulus Investments and many other companies * Benjamin Hauwanga, owner of the BH Group of companies *
Frans Indongo Fransisco Aupa Indongo (born January 15 1936), is a prominent Namibian businessman and former politician. He owns Continental Enterprises, Indongo Toyota, Frans Indongo Gardens, Farm Gelukwater, Select Service and Gas Station and various shares in ...
, owner of Indongo Toyota, continental properties. * Gert Joubert, owner of Erindi Game Reserve * Robert Kahimise, CEO of the City of
Windhoek Windhoek (, , ) is the capital and largest city of Namibia. It is located in central Namibia in the Khomas Highland plateau area, at around above sea level, almost exactly at the country's geographical centre. The population of Windhoek in 20 ...
* Gwen Lister, journalist, founder of ''The Namibian'' * Aaron Mushimba, mining magnate * Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, African Business Leader of the Year, 2013 * Harold Pupkewitz, owner of Pupkewitz Toyota, Megabuild, and many other companies *
Iipumbu Shiimi Iipumbu Wendelinus Shiimi is a Namibian economist who has been the Minister of Finance since 2020. Before that, he served as governor of the Bank of Namibia from 2010 until 2020. Early life and education Shiimi holds a Master of Science degree in ...
, minister of finance, former governor of the Bank of Namibia *
Sven Thieme Sven Thieme (born 8 February 1968) is a Namibian businessman. He is currently a chairman of Ohlthaver & List , the largest private company in Namibia. Education and training Thieme attended Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek and graduated wi ...
, chairman of Ohlthaver & List * Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, managing director of diamond conglomerate Namdeb


Clergy

* Leonard Auala (1908–1983), Christian bishop of Evangelical-Lutheran Ovambo-Kavango Church (ELOC) * Shekutaamba Nambala, presiding bishop of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) *
Joseph Gotthardt Joseph Gotthardt (16 December 1880 – 3 August 1963) was a Catholic missionary and later Bishop and Archbishop in South-West Africa (today Namibia). He was the first to set up missions in the Kavango Region and in Ovamboland, became the first V ...
(1880–1963), prefect of the
Prefecture Apostolic of Cimbebasia The Archdiocese of Huambo ( la, Archidioecesis Huambensis) is a Latin Metropolitan archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in western Angola. The cathedral see of the archbishop is the Marian Cathedral of the Conception of Our Lady (Sé Catedra ...
, later bishop of the
Apostolic Vicariate of Windhoek Windhoek (, , ) is the capital and largest city of Namibia. It is located in central Namibia in the Khomas Highland plateau area, at around above sea level, almost exactly at the country's geographical centre. The population of Windhoek in 202 ...
*
Paulus Hamutenya Haufiku Paulus Hamutenya (born ca. 1884, Oukwanyama, Angola — died 12 September 1932) was one of the first seven Ovambos to be ordained a pastor in Oniipa, Ovamboland, in 1925 by the director of the Finnish Missionary Society, Matti Tarkkanen. H ...
(died 1932), pastor in
Ovamboland Ovamboland, also referred to as Owamboland, was a Bantustan in South West Africa (present-day Namibia), intended by the apartheid government to be a self-governing homeland for the Ovambo people. The term originally referred to the parts of ...
, ordained 1925 * Bonifatius Haushiku (1932–2002), archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Windhoek * Obadja Iihuhua, pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1925 *
Sakeus Iihuhua Nangombe Sakeus Iihuhua (born ca. 1885, Omapale, Ondonga, Ovamboland, Namibia — died 22 June 1976) was one of the first seven Ovambo pastors, whom the director of the Finnish Missionary Society, Matti Tarkkanen ordained into priesthood in Oniipa, ...
, pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1925 * Gideon Iitula, pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1925 *
Zephania Kameeta Zephania Kameeta (born 7 August 1945 in Otjimbingwe, Erongo Region) is a Namibian religious and political leader. Since March 2015, he has been the Namibian Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. Religious work Kameeta studied at th ...
(born 1945), former bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia ) is a Lutheran denomination based in Namibia. It has a total membership of about 420,000. The ELCRN grew out of work done by the Rhenish Missionary Society starting in 1842. The denomination was established in 1957 as the Evangelical Lutheran Chur ...
*
James Kauluma James Hamupanda Kauluma (1 July 1933 – 4 April 2007) was a Namibian human rights activist and sixth bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Namibia. He was the first Namibian bishop of the Anglican diocese in the country. Biography Kauluma was born in ...
, sixth bishop of the Anglican
Diocese of Namibia The Diocese of Namibia is part of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, which is itself part of the Anglican Communion. The diocese, which covers the whole country of Namibia, was originally known as the Diocese of Damaraland. Most of the Angli ...
*
Nabot Manasse Nabot Manasse or Nabot Shiyoma (b. Ovamboland, Namibia — died 30 January 1958) was one of the first seven Ovambo pastors, whom the director of the Finnish Missionary Society, Matti Tarkkanen ordained into priesthood in Oniipa, Ovamboland, on 27 S ...
, pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1925 * Leevi Gerson Max (1935–1997), pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1965 * Ngeno Nakamhela (born 1945), former secretary-general of the
Council of Churches in Namibia The Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) is an ecumenical organisation in Namibia. Its member churches together represent 1.5 million people, 90% of the population of Namibia. It is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Afric ...
*
Juuso Ngaikukwete Juuso Amuaalua (Hamalwa) Ngaikukwete (born ca. 1873 in Oukwanyama, Ovamboland, Namibia — died 17 June 1955) was one of the first seven Ovambo pastors, whom the director of the Finnish Missionary Society, Matti Tarkkanen ordained into priesthood i ...
, pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1925 *
Matias Shikondomboro Matias Shikondomboro (born in Kavango, Namibia) was the first Kavango native to be ordained a Lutheran pastor. Shikondomboro came to the Finnish mission station of Nkurenkuru in early 1930 to work as an assistant in the mission kitchen under the ...
, pastor in Okavango, ordained 1942 *
Simson Shituwa Simson Teteinge Haivela Shituwa (b. ca. 1871 Oilambo, Oukwanyama, Angola — died 30 January 1969) was one of the first seven Ovambo pastors, whom the director of the Finnish Missionary Society, Matti Tarkkanen ordained into priesthood in Oniipa, Ov ...
, pastor in Ovamboland, ordained 1925


Military leaders


Colonial period

*
Jacob Morenga Jacob Morenga, also Jakob, Jacobus, Marengo, and Marenga, known as the "black Napoleon", (1875 – 20 September 1907) was an important figure in Namibia, then the German colony of German South West Africa. He was chief leader in the insurrection ag ...
(1875–1907), guerrilla fighter,
national hero The title of Hero is presented by various governments in recognition of acts of self-sacrifice to the state, and great achievements in combat or labor. It is originally a Soviet-type honor, and is continued by several nations including Belarus, Ru ...


People's Liberation Army of Namibia personnel

* Tobias Hainyeko (1932–1967), commander of the South West Africa Liberation Army (SWALA), predecessor of PLAN, 1962–1967 * Lieutenant General
Dimo Hamaambo Lieutenant General Mweukefina Kulaumone Jerobeam Dimo Hamaambo (27 October 1932 – 8 September 2002) was a Namibian military commander in both the Namibian War of Independence as a SWAPO member and in independent Namibia as the Chief of Defen ...
(1932–2002), commander of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) 1967–1990 and chief of the
Namibian Defence Force The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) comprises the national military forces of Namibia. It was created when the country, then known as South West Africa, gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Chapter 15 of the Constitution of Namibia establ ...
(NDF) 1990–2000


Namibian Defence Force personnel

* Major General
Matheus Alueendo Major General Matheus Alueendo (born 4 March 1961) is a Namibian military officer who is the current commander of the Namibian Army since 31 July 2019. Career Alueendo's military career began in 1978 when he joined the People's Liberation Army o ...
(born 1961), Namibian Army commander since 2019 * Rear Admiral
Alweendo Amungulu Rear Admiral Alweendo Paulus Amungulu is a Namibian military officer who's serving as the Commander of the Namibian Navy. He was appointed the Commander of the Namibian Navy in September 2020. Prior to that he served as Commander of Naval Operat ...
, (born 1963),
Namibian Navy The Namibian Navy is the maritime warfare branch of the Namibian Defence Force. History Development of Namibia's navy has been slow, and the force was only formally established on 11 September 1998 as a maritime wing and in 2004 as a fully f ...
commander since 2020 * Lieutenant General
Solomon Huwala Dumeni Solomon "Jesus" Hawala is a former Namibian lieutenant general. Hawala was the deputy commander of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia before independence. He earned the nickname "Butcher of Lubango" for allegedly running detainee camps ...
, chief of the NDF 2000–2006 * Lieutenant General
John Mutwa Lieutenant General John Sinvula Mutwa (23 September 1960 – 17 June 2021) was a Namibian military officer whose last appointment was as chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF). He was appointed the commander of the Namibian Army in 2011, and ...
(1960–2021), chief of the NDF 2013–2020 * Major General
Peter Nambundunga Major General Petrus "Peter" Kagadhinwa Nambundunga (3 June 1947, Onesi Constituency – 14 January 2019, Ongwediva) was a Namibian military commander. Nambundunga was appointed the commander of the army in 2005, replacing Martin Shalli when he w ...
(1947–2019), Namibian Army commander 2005–2011 * Major General
Charles Namoloh Major General Charles Dickson Ndaxu Phillip Namoloh (born 28 February 1950) is a Namibian diplomat, politician and military figure who served in the cabinet of Namibia as Minister of Safety and Security from March 2015 to March 2020. Namoloh has ...
(born 1950), NDF Chief of Staff * Lieutenant General
Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah (born 13 December 1952) is a Namibian diplomat and military commander. He was the chief of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) from 24 January 2011 to 31 December 2013. Born in Ohangwena Region, Ndaitwah joi ...
(born 1952), chief of the NDF 2011–2013 * Air Marshal
Martin Pinehas Martin Kambulu Pinehas is a Namibian military officer who is serving as the Chief of the Defence Force, he previously served as commander of the Namibian Air Force. He was appointed the commander of the Air wing of the Namibian Defence Force in ...
(born 1962), chief of the NDF since 2020 * Air Vice Marshall
Teofilus Shaende Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende is a Namibian military officer who is serving as the commander of the Namibian Air Force since 2020. Civilian career After completing school at Dr. Lemmer High School in Rehoboth, Shaende took employment with ...
, Namibian Air Force commander since 2020 * Lieutenant General
Martin Shalli Lieutenant General Martin Shalli is a former Namibian diplomat and military commander. In 2005, he was appointed as Namibia's High Commissioner to Zambia by President Sam Nujoma, but he was recalled in October 2006 by Nujoma's successor, Hifikep ...
(born 1954), chief of the NDF 2006–2011


Politicians


Presidents and leaders of government

* Sam Nujoma (
SWAPO The South West Africa People's Organisation (, SWAPO; af, Suidwes-Afrikaanse Volks Organisasie, SWAVO; german: Südwestafrikanische Volksorganisation, SWAVO), officially known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, is a political party and former ind ...
), first president of Namibia *
Hifikepunye Pohamba Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba (born 18 August 1936) is a Namibian politician who served as the second president of Namibia from 21 March 2005 to 21 March 2015. He won the 2004 presidential election overwhelmingly as the candidate of SWAPO, and was ...
(SWAPO), second president * Hage Geingob (SWAPO), first prime minister of Namibia and third president *
Nickey Iyambo Nickey Iyambo (20 May 1936 – 19 May 2019) was a Namibian politician and physician who served as the first Vice President of Namibia. A member of SWAPO, Iyambo was a member of the Cabinet of Namibia since independence in March 1990. He was the ...
(SWAPO), first
vice-president of Namibia The vice-president of Namibia serves as the acting President of Namibia when the President is outside the country's borders, unable to fulfill the duties of the office, or when the Presidency is vacant. The Vice-President is also a member of th ...
*
Nangolo Mbumba Nangolo Mbumba (born 15 August 1941) in Olukonda, Namibia. He is a Namibian politician who currently serves as the 2nd vice president of Namibia. A member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Mbumba has headed a number of Namib ...
(SWAPO), second vice-president * Theo-Ben Gurirab, second prime minister of Namibia * Nahas Angula (SWAPO), third prime minister * Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila (SWAPO), fourth prime minister *
Hendrik Witbooi (politician) Reverend Dr Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi (traditional name ǃNanseb ǀGabemab; 7 January 1934, in Gibeon – 13 October 2009, in Windhoek) was a Namibian politician and the seventh Captain of the ǀKhowesin clan. A member of SWAPO from 1976 until ...
(SWAPO), first deputy prime minister of Namibia *
Libertina Amathila Libertina Inaviposa Amathila ( née Appolus, born 10 December 1940) is a Namibian physician and politician. She was the deputy Prime Minister of Namibia from 2005 to 2010. Early life Amathila was born in Fransfontein, Kunene Region. Under the SW ...
(SWAPO), second deputy prime minister * Marco Hausiku (SWAPO), third deputy prime minister *
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (born 29 October 1952) is a Namibian politician who is the Prime Minister of Namibia, Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia since March 2015. She has also been serving as Namibia's List of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Namibi ...
(SWAPO), fourth deputy prime minister


Diplomats

*
Eddie Amkongo Eddie Shimwethelini Amkongo (born 1 December 1945) is a Namibian civil servant and diplomat. A chief diplomat with SWAPO and later independent Namibia, Amkongo was appointed chairperson of the Public Service Commission in 2006. Early life and exil ...
(
SWAPO The South West Africa People's Organisation (, SWAPO; af, Suidwes-Afrikaanse Volks Organisasie, SWAVO; german: Südwestafrikanische Volksorganisation, SWAVO), officially known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, is a political party and former ind ...
), former ambassador to Ethiopia *
Martin Andjaba Martin Andjaba (born 17 December 1957 in Onhokolo) is a Namibian diplomat and politician. Namibia's ambassador to Germany. Career Andjaba served as the Namibian government's Chief of Protocol since 1990. He became Permanent representative to the ...
(SWAPO), ambassador to Germany *
Bience Gawanas Bience Philomina Gawanas (born 1956) is a Namibian lawyer. She was appointed in January 2018 as Special Adviser on Africa for the United Nations after having served as Commissioner for Social Affairs at the African Union Assembly of Heads of St ...
(SWAPO),
African Union The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The AU was announced in the Sirte Declaration in Sirte, Libya, on 9 September 1999, calling for the establishment of the Africa ...
Labour Affairs Commissioner *
Neville Gertze Neville Melvin Gertze (born August 5, 1966, in Windhoek ) is a Namibian diplomat who was, among other things, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to Germany and has been permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations in New York ...
(born 1966, SWAPO), ambassador to the United Nations *
Kaire Mbuende Kaire Mbuende (born 28 November 1953) is a Namibian politician and diplomat. Mbuende served as Namibian ambassador to the United Nations from August 2006 to December 2010. An ethnic Herero, Mbuende has been a high-level member of the ruling SWAP ...
(SWAPO), former ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg *
Margaret Mensah-Williams Margaret Natalie Mensah-Williams (born 25 December 1961) is a Namibian politician, diplomat, and prominent SWAPO member. She serves as Namibia's ambassador to the United States. Mensah-Williams also served as councillor of Windhoek Khomasdal N ...
(SWAPO), ambassador to the United States * Monica Nashandi (SWAPO), former ambassador to the United States *
Hanno Rumpf Hanno Burkhard Rumpf (15 September 1958 – 8 February 2019) was a Namibian politician (SWAPO) and diplomat. Early life Rumpf, the son of well-known farmer and right-wing National Party member Ernst Rumpf, grew up on the Combumbi parental farm i ...
(1958–2019, SWAPO), former ambassador to the Benelux countries, Switzerland and the European Union * Nora Schimming-Chase (
SWANU The South West Africa National Union (SWANU) is a Namibian political party founded in 1959. Most of its members came from the Herero people, while fellow independence movement SWAPO was mostly an Ovambo party. The party's president is Charles ...
,
CoD Cod is the common name for the demersal fish genus '' Gadus'', belonging to the family Gadidae. Cod is also used as part of the common name for a number of other fish species, and one species that belongs to genus ''Gadus'' is commonly not call ...
), former ambassador to Germany and Austria


SWAPO politicians

*
Ben Amathila Ben Amathila (born 1 October 1938 in Walvis Bay) is a retired Namibian politician. Amathila served in the government of Namibia with SWAPO from independence in 1990 until his retirement in April 2007. From 1990 to 1993 he served as Minister of ...
,
cabinet Cabinet or The Cabinet may refer to: Furniture * Cabinetry, a box-shaped piece of furniture with doors and/or drawers * Display cabinet, a piece of furniture with one or more transparent glass sheets or transparent polycarbonate sheets * Filing ...
member * Clara Bohitile, deputy minister,
central committee Central committee is the common designation of a standing administrative body of Communist party, communist parties, analogous to a board of directors, of both ruling and nonruling parties of former and existing socialist states. In such party org ...
member *
Dawid Boois Dawid Boois (born 13 January 1952) is a Namibian politician and educator. A member of SWAPO, Boois was the Governor of the southern ǁKaras Region and a member of the National Assembly from 2000 to 2005.ǁKaras *
Bernard Esau Bernhardt Martin Esau, also ''Bernhard'' or ''Bernard'' (born 9 December 1957), is a Namibian politician. A member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Esau has been a member of the National Assembly since being nominated by P ...
, trade unionist, independence activist *
Ella Kamanya Ella Ndatega Kamanya (9 November 1961 – 31 July 2005) was a Namibian politician and businesswoman.
, Pan-African parliamentarian and National Assembly member * Asser Kuveri Kapere, chairman of the National Council of Namibia *
Marten Kapewasha Marten Nenkete Kapewasha (born 19 September 1949) is a Namibian diplomat and politician. A member of the SWAPO Central Committee since 1991, Kapewasha was appointed Namibia's High Commissioner to India in September 2005 following a six-year stint ...
, diplomat *
Samuel Mbambo Rev. Samuel Kaveto Mbambo (born in Kavango Region) is a Namibian politician, diplomat, theologian, historian, and academic. He was a governor of the Kavango Region, and after its split into Kavango West and Kavango East, also of these new entities. ...
, SWAPO
central committee Central committee is the common designation of a standing administrative body of Communist party, communist parties, analogous to a board of directors, of both ruling and nonruling parties of former and existing socialist states. In such party org ...
member *
Steve Mogotsi Stefanus "Steve" Orateng Mogotsi (born 26 December 1961) is a Namibian politician and former featherweight boxer. A member of SWAPO, Mogotsi won a seat in the Regional Council of Omaheke Region in 2004. He was subsequently selected to the 3rd ...
, National Council member * Alpheus ǃNaruseb, cabinet member * Immanuel Ngatjizeko, cabinet member *
Erkki Nghimtina Erkki Nghimtina (born 16 September 1947) is a Namibian politician and former military officer in the Namibia Defence Force (NDF).http://209.88.21.36/opencms/opencms/grnnet/MWTC/Minister/biography.html A member of the South West Africa People's ...
, cabinet member *
Ngarikutuke Tjiriange Ngarikutuke Ernest Tjiriange (12 July 1943 – 23 June 2021) was a Namibian politician, a member of the National Assembly and former secretary-general of the ruling SWAPO Party. He also served in the Namibian cabinet from 1990 to 2010, first as ...
, lawyer and cabinet member * Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, former minister, independence leader *
Piet van der Walt Piet Jacobus van der Walt (born 14 January 1966 in Okahandja) is a Namibian businessperson and politician who has been the Deputy Minister of National Planning since 2018. Early life and education Van der Walt grew up in Okahandja and went to pr ...
, deputy minister *
Peya Mushelenga Samuel Abraham Peyavali "Peya" Mushelenga (born September 01, 1975 in Oshigambo, Ovamboland) is a Namibian politician and poet. He is broadly educated, holding twelve academic qualifications from six different universities. A member of SWAPO, Mu ...
, member of
parliament In modern politics, and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: Representation (politics), representing the Election#Suffrage, electorate, making laws, and overseeing ...


Opposition politicians

*
Kenneth Abrahams Kenneth Godfrey Abrahams (1936–2017) was a Namibian activist and physician. He was born in Cape Town and studied at the University of Cape Town. Abrahams later earned his MD in Stockholm. He became active in SWAPO politics in 1960 along with h ...
( NNF), medical doctor *
Ottilie Abrahams Ottilie Grete Abrahams (2 September 19372 July 2018) was a Namibian educator, activist, and politician. Personal Abrahams was born on 2 September 1937 in the Old Location township outside of Windhoek. Abrahams was the daughter of Otto Schimmi ...
( NNF), activist, teacher and educator *
Steve Bezuidenhout Steve Bezuidenhout (born 3 June 1957 in Keetmanshoop, ǁKaras Region) is a Namibian politician. A Coloured Namibian, Bezuidenhout is the Interim President of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP). He joined SWAPO in 1989 and was active until ...
( RDP) *
Moses Katjiuongua Moses Katjikuru Katjiuongua (24 April 1942 – 8 March 2011) was a Namibian politician, minister in the Transitional Government of National Unity, member of the Constituent Assembly of Namibia, and member of the National Assembly of Namibia. Early ...
( NPF) *
Katuutire Kaura Katuutire Kaura (3 February 1941 – 22 January 2022) was a Namibian politician. He was president of the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) from 1998 to 2013 and was the official leader of the Opposition (parliamentary), opposition from 2000 to 2 ...
, ( PDM) *
Fanuel Kozonguizi Fanuel Jariretundu Kozonguizi (26 January 1932 - 1 February 1995) was a Namibian lawyer and politician. He served as permanent petitioner to the United Nations on the issue of Namibian independence, and was a high-ranking administrator in South-Wes ...
, (
SWANU The South West Africa National Union (SWANU) is a Namibian political party founded in 1959. Most of its members came from the Herero people, while fellow independence movement SWAPO was mostly an Ovambo party. The party's president is Charles ...
), first national ombudsman *
Dirk Mudge Dirk Frederik Mudge (16 January 192826 August 2020) was a Namibian politician. He served in several high-ranking positions in the South African administration of South West Africa, was the chairman of the 1975–1977 Turnhalle Constitutional Con ...
( RP), pre-independence leader of government *
Jeremia Nambinga Jeremia Nambinga" (born December 13, 1946) is a Namibian Politician. Life Since 2008, Nambinga has been a member of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP); from 20152018, Nambinga was its president. A long-serving member of Swapo party, N ...
, ( RDP) *
Ben Ulenga Benjamin Ulenga (born Benjamin Uulenga Uulenga on June 22, 1952
(
CoD Cod is the common name for the demersal fish genus '' Gadus'', belonging to the family Gadidae. Cod is also used as part of the common name for a number of other fish species, and one species that belongs to genus ''Gadus'' is commonly not call ...
)


Traditional leaders

*
Justus ǁGaroëb Gaob Dr. Justus ǀUruhe ǁGaroëb (born 16 December 1942CV at Parliament website
(born 1942), Damara chief and politician * Hosea Kutako (1870–1970), liberation fighter and
Herero Herero may refer to: * Herero people, a people belonging to the Bantu group, with about 240,000 members alive today * Herero language, a language of the Bantu family (Niger-Congo group) * Herero and Namaqua Genocide * Herero chat, a species of b ...
chief,
national hero The title of Hero is presented by various governments in recognition of acts of self-sacrifice to the state, and great achievements in combat or labor. It is originally a Soviet-type honor, and is continued by several nations including Belarus, Ru ...
* Samuel Maharero (1856–1923),
Herero Herero may refer to: * Herero people, a people belonging to the Bantu group, with about 240,000 members alive today * Herero language, a language of the Bantu family (Niger-Congo group) * Herero and Namaqua Genocide * Herero chat, a species of b ...
chief, national hero * Daniel Sitentu Mpasi (1934–2014), king of the
Kwangali Kwangali is a traditional Kavango kingdom in what is today Namibia. Its people speak the Kwangali language Kwangali, or RuKwangali, is a Bantu language spoken by 85,000 people along the Kavango River in Namibia, where it is a national language, ...
*
Nehale Mpingana Nehale lya Mpingana (died 28 April 1908) was '' Omukwaniilwa'' of Ondonga, a subtribe of the Owambo, in German South West Africa. Their tribal area is situated around Namutoni Namutoni is a restcamp on the edge of Etosha pan in the Oshikoto Reg ...
(died 1908), king of
Ondonga Ondonga is a traditional kingdom of the Ovambo people in what is today northern Namibia. Its capital is Ondangwa, and the kingdom's palace is at Onambango. Its people call themselves ''Aandonga''. They speak the Ndonga dialect. The Ondonga kingdom ...
, national hero * Mandume ya Ndemufayo (1894–1917), king of the Kwanyama, national hero * Martha Nelumbu (born 1930), queen of the Kwanyama * Kahimemua Nguvauva (1850–1896), chief of the
Ovambanderu The Mbanderu (''Ovambanderu'') are a population inhabiting eastern parts of Namibia and western parts of Botswana. They speak Herero language, Mbanderu (''Otjimbanderu)'' a Bantu language History and Culture Etymology While earlier theories of ...
, national hero *
Iipumbu Ya Tshilongo Iipumbu ya Tshilongo (1875–1959) was king of the Uukwambi, an Ovambo clan in Namibia, from 1907 to 1932. He is one of the national heroes of Namibia. Biography Iipumbu ya Tshilongo was born in 1873 in Onatshiku, a settlement near Elim, today in ...
(1875–1959), king of the Uukwambi, national hero * Hendrik Witbooi ( 1830–1905), chief of the ǀKhowesin, national hero


Activists

*
Job Amupanda Job Shipululo Amupanda (born 28 August 1987 in Omaalala, Oshana Region) is a Namibian activist and politician who served as Mayor of the City of Windhoek, in office from 2 December 2020 to 1 December 2021. He is an academic at the University of N ...
, youth activist who started the Affirmative Repositioning movement * Niko Bessinger, independence activist and politician *
Pauline Dempers Pauline Frannzisca Dempers (born 28 April 1962 in Aranos, Hardap Region) is a Namibian human rights activist and politician. In 1996, Dempers became national coordinator for Breaking the Wall of Silence (BWS), a group which advocates for the righ ...
, human rights activist, coordinator of the
Breaking the Wall of Silence Breaking the Wall of Silence (BWS) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. It is named after Siegfried Groth book ''Namibia. The Wall of Silence'', and was formed at the occasion of the book's release in 1996. ...
movement *
Kalla Gertze Reinhard "Kalla" Gertze (1960 – 13 March 2008) was a Namibian university lecturer and parliamentarian as a member of the Congress of Democrats (CoD) party. He was in the National Assembly from 2005 until his death in 2008 and had previously been ...
, former president of the Breaking the Wall of Silence movement and
CoD Cod is the common name for the demersal fish genus '' Gadus'', belonging to the family Gadidae. Cod is also used as part of the common name for a number of other fish species, and one species that belongs to genus ''Gadus'' is commonly not call ...
politician * Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari, political columnist *
Evilastus Kaaronda Evilastus Kaaronda is a Namibian trade unionist. He served as the secretary general of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW). In April 2011, an investigation against Kaaronda was launched following allegations of misconduct; specifically, ...
, trade unionist *
George Kambala George Hidipo Hamba Kambala (born 9 May 1992) is a Namibian youth activist who along with Job Amupanda and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma co-founded a radical youth movement known as the Affirmative Repositioning in 2014 to advocate for land among Namibian y ...
, youth activist * Veronica de Klerk, women's rights activist * John Kwedhi, trade unionist *
Blythe Loutit Blythe Loutit née Pascoe (14 November 1940, in Natal, South Africa – 15 June 2005, in Namibia) was a founder member of thSave the Rhino Trust(SRT), an artist and a respected conservationist. Biography The youngest of four children, she grew up ...
, founder of Save the Rhino Trust *
Anna Mungunda Anna "Kakurukaze" Mungunda (1932–10 December 1959) was a Namibian woman of Herero descent. She was the only woman among the casualties of the Old Location uprising in Windhoek on 10 December 1959. Since Namibia's independence on 21 March 1990, M ...
(1932–1959), anti-apartheid activists,
national hero The title of Hero is presented by various governments in recognition of acts of self-sacrifice to the state, and great achievements in combat or labor. It is originally a Soviet-type honor, and is continued by several nations including Belarus, Ru ...
*
Rosa Namises Visolela Rosalinda "Rosa" Namises (born 1958), nicknamed the " Rosa Luxemburg of Namibia", is a Namibian politician, human-rights activist and chief of a faction of the ǀKhomanin, a clan of the Damara people. She is a former member of Parlia ...
, politician and women's rights activist, former member of parliament * Phil ya Nangoloh, human rights activist *
Dimbulukeni Nauyoma Dimbulukeni 'Dee' Nauyoma (born 1992) is a Namibian youth activist who along with Job Amupanda and George Kambala co-founded a radical youth movement known as the Affirmative Repositioning in November 2014. Prior to the formation of the Affirmat ...
, youth activist *
John Pandeni John Alphons Pandeni (30 July 1950 – 14 March 2008) was a Namibian politician and trade unionist. A member of SWAPO, Pandeni was Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development at the time of his death in 2008. Early l ...
, former trade unionist and member of
cabinet Cabinet or The Cabinet may refer to: Furniture * Cabinetry, a box-shaped piece of furniture with doors and/or drawers * Display cabinet, a piece of furniture with one or more transparent glass sheets or transparent polycarbonate sheets * Filing ...
*
Immanuel Shifidi Immanuel Hafeni Augustus Shifidi (16 July 1929 – 30 November 1986), born in Windhoek, was a Namibian activist. He was one of the fighters at OmugulugwombasheEmma Tuahepa Emma Touny Waundjua Tuhepha (born 11 December 1974) is a Namibian HIV/AIDS activist. In 1996, she was the first Namibian woman to state publicly that she was HIV-positive. She became a high-profile activist for HIV/AIDS awareness and her efforts ...
, HIV/AIDS activist


Scientists

*
Roman Grynberg Roman Grynberg is a Polish-born professor of economics, author and academic at the University of Namibia's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. He has written economics papers on SACU and is specialised in international trade and commoditi ...
, professor of economics,
University of Namibia The University of Namibia (UNAM) is a multi-campus public research university in Namibia, as well as the largest university in the country. It was established by an act of Parliament on 31 August 1992. Background UNAM comprises the follow ...
(UNAM) * Nico Horn, theologian and professor of human rights and constitutional law, UNAM * André du Pisani (born (1949), professor of political science at UNAM * Gabi Schneider (born (1956), geologist * Tjama Tjivikua (born 1958), founding rector of the
Polytechnic of Namibia The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), formerly known as Polytechnic of Namibia, is a public university located in the city of Windhoek, Namibia. Andrew Niikondo is its acting vice-chancellor. NUST was headed by the founding ...


Sportspeople

*
Gaby Ahrens Gaby Diana Ahrens (born 15 March 1981 in Windhoek) is a Namibian sport shooter. She competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics in the women's trap event.Collin Benjamin Collin Benjamin (born 3 August 1978) is a Namibian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his professional career with Hamburger SV while representing Namibia at international level. Benjamin represented Na ...
(born 1978), footballer *
Johanna Benson Johanna Benson (born 17 February 1990) is a Paralympian athlete from Walvis Bay, Namibia. She competes in T37 long jump and sprint events and at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London she won the women's 200 metres race in her classification. He ...
(born 1990), Paralympic athlete and medalist * Jacques Burger (born 1981), Rugby Union player *
Dan Craven Dan Craven (born 1 February 1983) is a Namibian racing cyclist, who last rode for Namibian amateur team NCCS Cycling Team. He is the grandson of Danie Craven, the South African rugby union icon. Craven started cycling seriously when he studied ...
(born 1983), cyclist * Merlin Diamond (born 1991), sprinter, national champion *
Trevor Dodds Trevor George Dodds (born 26 September 1959) is a Namibian professional golfer. Dodds was born in Windhoek, South West Africa. He turned pro in 1985. He won the Canadian Tour Order of Merit in 1995 and 1996. Dodds has compiled 13 wins on four d ...
(born 1959), golfer *
Frankie Fredericks Frank "Frankie" Fredericks (born 2 October 1967) is a former track and field athlete from Namibia. Running in the 100 metres and 200 metres, he won four silver medals at the Olympic Games (two in 1992 and two in 1996), making him Namibia's only ...
(born 1967), Olympic athlete and medalist *
Mannie Heymans Johannes Frederick “Mannie” Heymans (born 15 July 1971) is a Namibian cyclist. He was born in Krugersdorp, South Africa. Personal Heymans moved to Namibia in 1984 while the country was still occupied by his native South Africa. A rugby player ...
(born 1971), cyclist *
Kees Lensing Gideon "Kees" Lensing (born 1 June 1978 in Keetmanshoop, Namibia) is a former Namibian rugby union player and former head coach of the Seattle Seawolves of Major League Rugby (MLR). He played as a prop for six different teams over more than 1 ...
(born 1978), rugby union prop *
Beatrice Masilingi Beatrice Masilingi (born 10 April 2003) is a Namibian sprinter. At the age of 18, she placed sixth in the 200 metres at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, having made the final along with fellow Namibian sprinter and eventual silver medallist Christine M ...
(born 2003), Olympic athlete, U20 world champion * Athiel Mbaha (born 1971), deaf footballer *
Christine Mboma Christine Mboma (born 22 May 2003) is a Namibian sprinter who competes in the 100 metres and 200 m. At the age of 18, she won a silver medal in the 200 metres at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first ever Namibian woman to win a women's O ...
(born 2003), Olympic athlete *
Ricardo Mannetti Ricardo Mannetti (born 24 April 1975) is a Namibian retired footballer who now works as a coach. He has managed coached the Namibia national team. Playing career Club Nicknamed ''Bucksy'', Mannetti grew up in the Windhoek's Bethlehem township ...
(born 1975), footballer and national football coach *
Ali Nuumbembe Paulus Ali Nuumbembe (born 24 June 1978 in Oshakati, Oshana Region, Namibia) is a Namibian welterweight boxer. Nicknamed "The Silent Assassin", Nuumbembe is a former Commonwealth champion who represented Namibia at the 2000 Summer Olympics and t ...
(born 1978), welterweight boxer *
Ryan Nyambe Ryan Nyambe (born 4 December 1997) is a Namibian professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL Championship side Wigan Athletic. He previously played for Blackburn Rovers, making over 150 first team appearances for the club, and is al ...
(born 1997), footballer * Harry Simon (born 1978), boxer *
Razundara Tjikuzu Razundara Tjikuzu (born 12 December 1979) is a Namibian former professional footballer who spent most of his career playing in Germany and Turkey and who represented Namibia at international level. Career In Germany Born in Swakopmund, South ...
(born 1979), footballer


Other

* Christina Van-Dunem Da Fonsech, police officer *
Michelle McLean Michelle McLean (born 31 July 1972) is a Namibian actress, writer, model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe 1992 at Thailand. McLean was 19 years old when she was crowned Miss Universe, and became the first Namibian woman to win th ...
, former Miss Universe, charity activist *
Behati Prinsloo Behati Prinsloo ( , ; born 16 May 1988) is a Namibian model. In 2008, she became a Pink contract model, and moved on to become a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2009. She walked in ten Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows (2007–2015; 2018), and opened c ...
, model * Robbie Savage, football fan and socialite *
Hulda Shipanga Hulda Kamboi Shipanga (Married and maiden names, née Ngatjikare; 28 October 1926 – 26 April 2010) was a nurse, midwife, and ministerial adviser to the Namibian Ministry of Health. She was the first black nurse in Namibia to be promoted to matron ...
, matron


References

{{Reflist *