Abraham Iyambo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abraham Iyambo
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|---|---|
| Minister of Education | |
| In office 21 March 2010 – 2 February 2013 |
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| President | Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Preceded by | Nangolo Mbumba |
| Succeeded by | David Namwandi |
| Minister of the Fisheries and Marine Resources | |
| In office 1997 – 21 March 2010 |
|
| President | Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Preceded by | Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Succeeded by | Bernard Esau |
| Deputy Minister of the Fisheries and Marine Resources | |
| In office 1995–1997 |
|
| President | Sam Nujoma |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 February 1961 Oshana, South West Africa (now Namibia) |
| Died | 2 February 2013 (aged 52) London, England, UK |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| Political party |  SWAPO |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Windhoek |
| Alma mater | University of Surrey, (UK) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Food scientist |
Abraham Iyambo (born February 2, 1961 – died February 2, 2013) was an important politician from Namibia. He served his country in different government roles for many years. He became a member of the National Assembly of Namibia in 1995. He was the Minister of Fisheries from 1997 to 2010. Later, he served as the Minister of Education from 2010 until his death. Iyambo was also a key member of the SWAPO Party, a major political party in Namibia. He was part of its central committee and political bureau, and he led its group of experts, known as a think tank.
Learning and Growing: Abraham Iyambo's Education
Abraham Iyambo was born in a village called Oniimwandi in the Oshana Region of northern Namibia. He was born on February 2, 1961. He was the fourth of ten children in his family. He went to Okata Primary School in his home village. For his secondary education, he attended Canisianum Roman Catholic Private School in Outapi.
Later, he left Namibia and went to Havana, Cuba. There, he studied Food Chemistry for four years, from 1982 to 1985. In 1985, he moved to the United Kingdom. He took a special course in food studies at South London College. After that, he began studying for his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Food Science at the University of Surrey. He finished his degree in 1990. From 1991 to 1994, he continued his studies at Surrey. He earned his PhD in 1994.
Making a Difference: Abraham Iyambo's Career
In 1994, Abraham Iyambo worked as a consultant. He helped the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with their work for the Ministry of Agriculture. He also advised the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Education.
Iyambo was a key member of the SWAPO Party. He was part of its central committee and political bureau. He also chaired its think tank, a group that develops new ideas. In 1995, he became a member of parliament. He was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources for two years. In 1997, President Sam Nujoma promoted him to Minister. He held this important position for 12 years, until March 2010. In March 2010, President Hifikepunye Pohamba appointed him as the Minister of Education.
Iyambo also represented Namibia on the world stage. He was Namibia's commissioner-general for Expo 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal. He led the SADC ministers responsible for fisheries from 1997 to 1999. He was also part of an international group fighting against illegal fishing. In 2001, he helped lead the Reykjavik Declaration of the Ecosystem Fisheries Management. This was an important agreement about managing ocean resources.
His Lasting Impact: Death and Legacy
Abraham Iyambo had health issues related to high blood pressure for several years. He passed away from a stroke on his 52nd birthday. This happened while he was on a business trip in London, United Kingdom, on February 2, 2013. He received a special state burial in Namibia. A 17-gun salute was fired to honor him. Iyambo is buried at Windhoek's Gammams Cemetery.
Abraham Iyambo received many awards for his hard work. These included the Aquaculturist of the Year in 2009. This award came from the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa. He also received the Margarita Lizárraga Medal for 2008/2009 from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Another award was the Kungsfenan Swedish Seafood Award.
In Namibia, he was known for being a very hard worker. People saw him as a highly effective government minister, no matter which job he had. During his time at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, he earned the nickname "Dr Fish." This was a respectful way to recognize his many achievements. When he was Minister of Education, Iyambo made primary education free. This right was already in Namibia's constitution since 1990. He also started pre-primary education in state schools. His call to "deliver, deliver, and deliver" became a popular saying for teachers and students. One year after he died, the government renamed Oshikunde Senior Secondary School in the Ohangwena Region to Dr Abraham Iyambo Senior Secondary School.
