Nangolo Mbumba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nangolo Mbumba
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Mbumba in 2024
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| 4th President of Namibia | |
| In office 4 February 2024 – 21 March 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Saara Kuugongelwa |
| Vice President | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah |
| Preceded by | Hage Geingob |
| Succeeded by | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah |
| 2nd Vice President of Namibia | |
| In office 13 February 2018 – 4 February 2024 |
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| President | Hage Geingob |
| Preceded by | Nickey Iyambo |
| Succeeded by | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah |
| Chancellor of the University of Namibia | |
| Assumed office 28 February 2018 |
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| President | Hage Geingob |
| Preceded by | Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Secretary-General of SWAPO | |
| In office December 2012 – November 2017 |
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| President | Hifikepunye Pohamba Hage Geingob |
| Preceded by | Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana |
| Succeeded by | Sophia Shaningwa |
| Minister of Safety and Security | |
| In office 2010 – 4 December 2012 |
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| President | Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Preceded by | Nickey Iyambo |
| Succeeded by | Immanuel Ngatjizeko |
| Minister of Education | |
| In office 2005–2010 |
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| President | Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Preceded by | Nahas Angula |
| Succeeded by | Abraham Iyambo |
| Minister of Information and Broadcasting | |
| In office 2003–2005 |
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| President | Sam Nujoma |
| Preceded by | Theo-Ben Gurirab |
| Succeeded by | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1996–2003 |
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| President | Sam Nujoma |
| Preceded by | Helmut Angula |
| Succeeded by | Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila |
| Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development | |
| In office 1993–1996 |
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| President | Sam Nujoma |
| Preceded by | Anton von Wietersheim |
| Succeeded by | Helmut Angula |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 August 1941 Olukonda, South West Africa (now Namibia) |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| Political party | SWAPO |
| Spouse | Sustjie Mbumba |
| Alma mater | Southern Connecticut State University (BS) University of Connecticut (MS) |
| Occupation | |
Nangolo Mbumba (born 15 August 1941) is a Namibian politician. He served as the fourth President of Namibia from February 2024 to March 2025. Before becoming president, he was the second Vice President of Namibia from 2018 to 2024. He took over the presidency after the death of President Hage Geingob.
Mr. Mbumba is a member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) political party. He has held many important roles in the Namibian government. These include leading ministries like Agriculture, Finance, Information, Education, and Safety. From 2012 to 2017, he was the Secretary-General of SWAPO, which is a very important position within the party.
He became Vice President in 2018, replacing Nickey Iyambo due to health reasons. When President Geingob passed away in February 2024, Mbumba became president. He announced that he would not run for a full term in the elections that year.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nangolo Mbumba was born on August 15, 1941, in Olukonda, which was then part of South West Africa (now Namibia). He traveled to the United States for his university studies. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from Southern Connecticut State University. He continued his education at the University of Connecticut, where he received a Master of Science (MSc) degree in biology in 1973.
After finishing his studies, Mbumba started his career as a teacher. He taught at Harlem Preparatory School in New York City. In 1978, he returned to Africa and became the head of the Science Department at the Namibia Education Centre in Cuanza Sul, Angola. He was later promoted to Principal of the Centre in 1980, a role he held until 1985.
Political Career Highlights
Mbumba officially joined the SWAPO party in 1985. He first served as the Deputy Secretary for Education and Culture. In 1987, he became the Personal Secretary to SWAPO President Sam Nujoma. He also played a key role in 1994 as a joint administrator for Walvis Bay when it was handed over to Namibia.
Starting in 1993, Mbumba became a member of the National Assembly of Namibia. He also served as a minister in various government departments. These included the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993–1996), and the Ministry of Finance (1996–2003). He also led the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (2003–2005), the Ministry of Education (2005–2010), and the Ministry of Safety and Security (2010–2012).
In 2012, Mbumba was elected as the Secretary-General of SWAPO. This position is considered the third most important role within the party. He won the election with 352 votes. After his election, he resigned from his ministerial position. Immanuel Ngatjizeko took over his role as Minister of Safety and Security.
In 2018, President Hage Geingob appointed Mbumba as the Vice President of Namibia. This happened after the first Vice President, Nickey Iyambo, had to step down due to poor health.
President of Namibia (2024–2025)
Nangolo Mbumba became the acting president of Namibia on January 24, 2024. This happened when President Hage Geingob traveled to the United States for cancer treatment. Sadly, President Geingob passed away on February 4, 2024.
About 15 hours after Geingob's death, Mbumba was sworn in as president. The ceremony took place at the State House in Windhoek. Chief Justice Peter Shivute performed the swearing-in. President Mbumba then appointed Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as his successor for the Vice President role. She was also chosen by President Geingob to be the SWAPO presidential candidate for the 2024 Namibian general election.
Mbumba promised to complete President Geingob's term, which ended on March 21, 2025. He clearly stated, "I am not going to be around for the elections. So don't panic." This meant he would not seek to be elected for a full term. He also served as the Chief Mourner for President Geingob. He held this title again when Dr. Sam Nujoma, known as the Father of the Namibian Nation, passed away in February 2025.
In 2024, Mbumba received Namibia’s highest award, The Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis. This award is named after Namibia’s unique desert plant. It is given to people who have made very important contributions to the country. Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba presented him with this honor.
Honours and Awards
Cuba:
Order of José Martí (December 17, 2024)
Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis (2024) This award was given by H.E Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, who was the Former President of Namibia from 2005 to 2015.
See also
In Spanish: Nangolo Mbumba para niños
