Saara Kuugongelwa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
MP
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Kuugongelwa-Amadhila in 2020
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| 4th Prime Minister of Namibia | |
| Assumed office 21 March 2015 |
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| President | Hage Geingob Nangolo Mbumba |
| Deputy | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (2015–2024) John Mutorwa (since 2024) |
| Preceded by | Hage Geingob |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 2003 – 21 March 2015 |
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| President | Sam Nujoma Hifikepunye Pohamba |
| Preceded by | Nangolo Mbumba |
| Succeeded by | Calle Schlettwein |
| Director General of the National Planning Commission of Namibia | |
| In office 1995–2003 |
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| President | Sam Nujoma |
| Succeeded by | Immanuel Ngatjizeko |
| Member of the National Assembly of Namibia | |
| Assumed office 1995 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 October 1967 Otamanzi, South West Africa (now Namibia) |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| Political party | SWAPO |
| Alma mater | Lincoln University |
| Occupation | Politician |
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila (born 12 October 1967) is an important politician from Namibia. She has been the Prime Minister of Namibia since 2015. This means she helps lead the country's government. She is a member of a political group called the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO).
She has been a member of the National Assembly of Namibia (like a parliament) since 1995. Before becoming Prime Minister, she was the Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2015. She made history as the first woman to become Prime Minister of Namibia.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has advanced degrees in finance. She worked as an economist for the President's office in 1995. From 1995 to 2003, she was the Director General of the National Planning Commission.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Where Was Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Born?
Saara Kuugongelwa was born on 12 October 1967. Her birthplace was Otamanzi, in what was then called South West Africa. Today, this place is part of Namibia.
How Did She Get Her Education?
When she was 13 years old in 1980, Saara went into exile with SWAPO. This means she left her home country for political reasons. At 15, in 1982, she moved to Sierra Leone. She attended Koidu Girls Secondary School from 1982 to 1984. Later, she went to Saint Joseph's Secondary School from 1984 to 1987.
From 1991 to 1994, she studied in the United States. She attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. There, she earned a master's degree in financial economics.
Political Career and Leadership
How Did Her Political Journey Begin?
After finishing her studies at Lincoln University, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila returned to Namibia. She started working as an economist for the President's office. The President at that time was Sam Nujoma.
In 1995, when she was just 27, President Nujoma appointed her to parliament. He also made her the director general of the National Planning Commission. This was a very important role, similar to a minister. In 2003, she was promoted to Minister of Finance.
Becoming Prime Minister of Namibia
On 21 March 2015, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila became the 4th Prime Minister of Namibia. She was sworn in alongside President Hage Geingob. This was a historic moment because she was the first woman to hold this high position in Namibia.
Speaking Up for Equality
In May 2016, she participated in a special discussion in the United States. She talked about important topics, including gender equality. She has often spoken about the need for fairness between genders. For example, she once mentioned that it might take 70 years to close the gender pay gap across Africa. This gap refers to the difference in how much men and women are paid for the same work.
Personal Life
Saara Kuugongelwa is married to a businessman named Onesmus Tobias Amadhila.
Awards and Recognition
On Heroes' Day in 2014, she received a special award. It was called the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, Second Class. This award recognized her important contributions.
See also
In Spanish: Saara Kuugongelwa para niños
