Nangolo Mbumba Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Nangolo Mbumba
Mbumba in 2024

4th President of Namibia
In office 4 February 2024 – 21 March 2025
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
President	Hage Geingob
Preceded by	Nickey Iyambo
Succeeded by	Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Chancellor of the University of Namibia
Incumbent
Assumed office 28 February 2018
President	Hage Geingob
Preceded by	Hifikepunye Pohamba
Secretary-General of SWAPO
In office December 2012 – November 2017
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
President	Hifikepunba
Preceded by	Nickey Iyambo
Succeeded by	Immanuel Ngatjizeko
Minister of Education
In office 2005–2010
President	Hifikepunye Pohamba
Preceded by	Nahas Angula
Succeeded by	Abraham Iyambo
Minister of Information and Broadcasting
In office 2003–2005
President	Sam Nujoma
Preceded by	Theo-Ben Gurirab
Succeeded by	Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Minister of Finance
In office 1996–2003
President	Sam Nujoma
Preceded by	Helmut Angula
Succeeded by	Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development
In office 1993–1996
President	Sam Nujoma
Preceded by	Anton von Wietersheim
Succeeded by	Helmut Angula

Personal details
Born	(1941-08-15) 15 August 1941 (age 83) 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	Politician educator

Nangolo Mbumba (born 15 August 1941) is a Namibian politician. He served as the fourth president of Namibia from 2024 to 2025. Before becoming president, he was the second vice president from 2018. He took over the presidency after the sad passing of President Hage Geingob.

Mr. Mbumba is a member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). He has held many important roles in the Namibian government. These include leading ministries like Agriculture, Finance, Education, and Safety. From 2012 to 2017, he was also the Secretary-General of SWAPO.

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 has stated that he will not run for a full term in the upcoming elections.

Early Life and Education
Journey in Politics
Becoming President of Namibia (2024–2025)
Honours and Awards
See also

Early Life and Education

Nangolo Mbumba was born on 15 August 1941 in Olukonda, which was then called South West Africa. Today, this area is part of Namibia.

He traveled to the United States for his 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 in the United States, Mbumba started his career as a teacher. He taught at Harlem Preparatory School in New York City. In 1978, he returned to Africa. He became the Head of the Science Department at the Namibia Education Centre in Cuanza Sul, Angola. By 1980, he was promoted to be the Principal of the Centre, a role he held until 1985.

Journey in Politics

Nangolo Mbumba officially joined SWAPO in 1985. His first role was 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 the handover of Walvis Bay to Namibia in 1994.

From 1993, Mbumba served in the National Assembly of Namibia. He also led several government ministries. These included:

Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993–1996)
Finance (1996–2003)
Information and Broadcasting (2003–2005)
Education (2005–2010)
Safety and Security (2010–2012)

In 2012, Mbumba was elected as the SWAPO Secretary-General. This position is considered the third most important in the party. He won the election with 352 votes, beating Utoni Nujoma who received 244 votes. After his election, he kept his promise to resign from his ministerial job. On 4 December 2012, Immanuel Ngatjizeko took over his role as Minister of Safety and Security.

In 2018, President Hage Geingob appointed Mbumba as the vice president. This happened after the first vice president, Nickey Iyambo, had to step down due to health issues.

Becoming President of Namibia (2024–2025)

Nangolo Mbumba became the acting president of Namibia on 24 January 2024. This was when President Hage Geingob traveled to the United States for cancer treatment. Sadly, Mbumba announced the passing of President Geingob in the early hours of 4 February.

About 15 hours after Geingob's death, Mbumba was sworn in as president. Chief Justice Peter Shivute performed the ceremony at the State House in Windhoek. President Mbumba then appointed Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as his successor for the Vice President role. She was also chosen by the late President Geingob to be the SWAPO presidential candidate for the 2024 Namibian general election.

President Mbumba has promised to finish President Geingob's term, which ends on 21 March 2025. He clearly stated, "I am not going to be around for the elections. So don't panic." Mbumba served as the Chief Mourner for President Geingob. He also held this title when Dr. Sam Nujoma, the Father of the Namibian Nation, passed away on 9 February 2025.

Honours and Awards

Nangolo Mbumba has received special recognition for his contributions. He was honored with Namibia’s highest award, The Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis. This award is named after Namibia’s unique desert plant. It is the highest national honor given to people who have made big differences in the country. Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba presented Mbumba with this award and a special sash, showing his role as Head of State.