Libertina Amathila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Libertina Amathila
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Amathila in 2005
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| Deputy-Prime Minister of Namibia | |
| In office March 2005 – March 2010 |
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| President | Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Preceded by | Hendrik Witbooi |
| Succeeded by | Marco Hausiku |
| Minister of Health and Social Services | |
| In office 1996–2005 |
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| 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 |
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| President | Sam Nujoma |
| Preceded by | position established |
| Succeeded by | Nickey Iyambo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Libertina Inaviposa Appolus
10 December 1940 Fransfontein, Kunene Region |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| Political party | SWAPO |
| Spouse | Ben Amathila |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Medical doctor |
Libertina Inaviposa Amathila, born on December 10, 1940, is an important Namibian doctor and politician. She was Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister from 2005 to 2010. She also served in the country's parliament, helping to make laws.
Early Life and Education
Libertina Appolus was born in Fransfontein, a place in the Kunene Region of Namibia. She finished her high school studies in South Africa. In 1962, she left Namibia and lived in Tanzania for some time.
She received a special scholarship from the SWAPO Nationhood Programme. This allowed her to study medicine in Poland. In 1969, she graduated from the Warsaw Medical Academy. This made her Namibia's first female doctor! After becoming a doctor, she worked in refugee camps run by SWAPO. She also continued her medical education in other countries like Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Political Career
Libertina Amathila has had a long and active political career. In 1969, while in exile in Tanzania, she became a leader in SWAPO. She was the deputy secretary for health and welfare. She also directed the SWAPO Women's Council.
Before Namibia became independent, she was part of the Constituent Assembly. This group helped create Namibia's first laws and government. Since Namibia gained independence in March 1990, she has been a member of the National Assembly. This is where new laws are debated and passed.
From 1990 to 1996, she served as the Minister of Regional and Local Government and Housing. After that, she became the Minister of Health and Social Services in 1996. She held this important role until 2005.
In March 2005, she took on an even bigger role. She became the Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia. She served in this position until March 2010.
Her work was also recognized internationally. In 1999, she was chosen to lead the World Health Organization's Regional Committee for Africa for one year. In 2000, she was elected as the president of the 53rd Session of the World Health Assembly.
Libertina Amathila retired from politics on March 21, 2010. This was exactly 20 years after Namibia gained its independence.
Awards and Recognition
Libertina Amathila has received several important awards for her work.
- 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 outstanding work for refugees.
In 2002, a street in the town of Swakopmund was named after her. It was originally called Brückenstrasse.
Personal Life
Libertina Amathila is married to Ben Amathila, who is also a well-known politician.
