Libertina Amathila facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honorable Libertina Amathila
Amathila in 2005
Deputy-Prime Minister of Namibia
In office March 2005 – March 2010
President	Hifikepunye Pohamba
Preceded by	Hendrik Witbooi
Succeeded by	Marco Hausiku
Minister of Health and Social Services
In office 1996–2005
President	Sam Nujoma
Preceded by	Nickey Iyambo
Succeeded by	Richard Kamwi
Minister of Regional and Local Government and Housing
In office 21 March 1990 – 1996
President	Sam Nujoma
Preceded by	position established
Succeeded by	Nickey Iyambo
Personal details
Born	Libertina Inaviposa Appolus (1940-12-10) 10 December 1940 (age 84) Fransfontein, Kunene Region
Nationality	Namibian
Political party	SWAPO
Spouse	Ben Amathila
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Medical doctor

Libertina Inaviposa Amathila (born Libertina Appolus on December 10, 1940) is a famous Namibian doctor and politician. She helped lead her country as the Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia from 2005 to 2010. She also served in Namibia's parliament, which is like a big meeting place where laws are made.

Early Life and Education

Libertina Appolus was born in Fransfontein, a place in the Kunene Region of Namibia. She was very smart and wanted to become a doctor. She received a special scholarship from the SWAPO Nationhood Programme. This scholarship allowed her to study medicine in Poland.

In 1969, she graduated from the Warsaw Medical Academy. This was a very important moment because she became Namibia's first female doctor! After her studies, she used her medical skills to help people in SWAPO refugee camps. She also studied in Sweden and London.

Political Career

Libertina Amathila has had a long and important career in politics. In 1969, while in exile in Tanzania, she became a leader in the SWAPO party. She was the deputy secretary for health and welfare. She also directed the SWAPO Women's Council, helping women in the party.

Just before Namibia became independent, she was part of the group that created Namibia's first laws. Since Namibia gained independence in March 1990, she has been a member of the National Assembly. This is where important decisions are made for the country.

Ministerial Roles

From 1990 to 1996, she served as the Minister of Regional and Local Government and Housing. In this role, she helped manage local areas and housing for people.

Then, from 1996 to 2005, she became the Minister of Health and Social Services. This was a very important job, as she was in charge of the country's health care.

Deputy Prime Minister

On March 21, 2005, Dr. Amathila took on an even bigger role. She became the Deputy-Prime Minister of Namibia. She served in this high position until March 2010.

International Work

Dr. Amathila also worked on a global scale. In 1999, she was chosen to be the chairperson for the World Health Organization's committee for Africa. In 2000, she was elected as the president of the 53rd World Health Assembly. This shows her dedication to health worldwide.

She officially retired from politics on March 21, 2010. This was a special day, as it was also the 20th anniversary of Namibia's independence.

Awards and Recognition

Libertina Amathila has received several important awards for her hard work and bravery.

• In 1987, she was given the Ongulumbashe Medal for Bravery and Long Service.
• In 1991, she received the Nansen Refugee Award. This award honors people who have done amazing work to help refugees.

In 2002, a street in Swakopmund was named after her. It was originally called Brückenstrasse, but now it carries her name.

Personal Life

Libertina Amathila is married to another well-known politician, Ben Amathila.