Theophilus Hamutumbangela

Theophilus Hamutumbangela
Born 6 February 1917
Onghala, Ohangwena Region, Namibia
Died 28 November 1990
Windhoek
Church Anglican
Ordained 1946 (deacon)
1947 (priest)
Title Reverend

Reverend Theophilus Hingashikuka Hamutumbangela (6 February 1917 – 28 November 1990) was a Namibian anti-apartheid activist, priest, and leading international promoter of Namibian independence, working alongside British anti-apartheid activist Reverend Michael Scott.[1]

Life and career

Hamutumbangela was the nephew of Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, king of the Ovambo people. He was born on the same day that his uncle died.[1] Hamutumbangela was a tall and strongly-built man.[2]

At age 17, Hamutumbangela went to St. Mary's mission at Odibo: first as a student, and then as a teacher. He then studied theology at St. Bedes, Umtata, and was ordained as a deacon in 1946, and as a priest in 1947. He served in parishes in Etale, Windhoek, and Omboloka.[1]

Hamutumbangela spoke out against the racism and injustices of the apartheid regime and petitioned the United Nations numerous times regarding Namibian independence.[1] He was one of the founders of the Ovamboland People's Organization and a leading figure in the Old Location Uprising.[3]

Hamutumbangela was arrested in 1966, and allegedly poisoned by the South African authorities.[4] The poison paralyzed his nervous system, and he was physically and mentally handicapped until his death in 1990.[1]

Recognition

In 2012, Rev. Theofilus Hamutumbangela Station in Oshikango was established and named in his honour.[5]

Along with Hosea Kutako and Hendrik Samuel Witbooi Avenues, there is a bronze statue of Hamutumbangela in the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Macmillan, Gamsberg. "Hamutumbangela, Theofilus". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  2. ↑ Namhila, Ellen Ndeshi (2005). Kaxumba KaNdola: Man and Myth. Basler Afrika Bibliographien. p. 34. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  3. ↑ Olivier, Willie; Olivier, Sandra (2006). African Adventurer's Guide to Namibia. Struik. p. 110. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Parliament Gardens". Rough Guides. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  5. ↑ Nembwaya, Hileni (1 September 2016). "Govt neglect adding to Oshikango woes, as town deteriorates". The Confidente. Retrieved 18 October 2016.

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