Nangolo Mbumba (born 15 August 1941) is a Namibian politician who was the fourth president of Namibia from 2024 to 2025. He became president after the death of Hage Geingob, under whom he had served as the second vice president from 2018 until his accession to the presidency 2024.
Mbumba was appointed vice president in 2018 to replace Nickey Iyambo, who departed because of ill health. He succeeded to the presidency upon the death of Hage Geingob in February 2024 and announced that he had no intention of running for election for a full term later in the year.[2]
After graduating from the University in Connecticut, Mbumba began teaching at Harlem Preparatory School in New York City. Returning to Africa in 1978, he became the Head of the Science Department at the Namibia Education Centre in Cuanza Sul, Angola. In 1980, he was promoted to Principal of the Centre. He held that post until 1985.[5]
Politics
Mbumba officially took a position with SWAPO in 1985 as Deputy Secretary for Education and Culture. Leaving that position in 1987, he became Personal Secretary to SWAPO President Sam Nujoma. He was the joint administrator of Walvis Bay during its handover to Namibia in 1994.[6][7]
Beginning in 1993, Mbumba served in the National Assembly of Namibia and government ministries including Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993–1996),[8] Finance (1996–2003), Information and Broadcasting (2003–2005), Education (2005–2010), and Safety and Security (2010–2012).[4]
Mbumba was elected SWAPO Secretary-General at its 2012 congress, a position considered #3 in the party's structure. He won with 352 votes against Utoni Nujoma's 244 and pledged before the election that he would resign from his ministerial position if successful.[9] On 4 December 2012, Immanuel Ngatjizeko was appointed to replace him as Minister of Safety and Security in the Cabinet reshuffle that followed the congress.[10]
Nangolo Mbumba became acting president of Namibia when President Hage Geingob traveled to the United States for cancer treatment on 24 January 2024.[13] Mbumba announced the passing of H.E Dr. Hage Geingob in the early hours of 4 February. He was sworn in about 15 hours after Geingob's death on 4 February 2024 by Chief Justice Peter Shivute at the State House in Windhoek and appointed Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to be his successor as Vice President. She was fielded by Geingob as the SWAPO presidential candidate for the 2024 Namibian general election, as his successor.[14][15][16] Mbumba pledged to finish Geingob's term, which expires on 21 March 2025, adding: "I am not going to be around for the elections. So don't panic."[17] Mbumba was the Chief Mourner during the passing of Dr Hage Geingob and served that title once again when the Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma passed away on the 9th of February 2025.
Mbumba was honored with Namibia’s highest award, The Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis.[18] This award is named after Namibia’s iconic desert plant, and this accolade is the highest national honor recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.[19] Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba presented Mbumba with the award and sash, symbolizing his role as Head of State.[19]
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