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][5]

Recognition

In 2012, Rev. Theofilus Hamutumbangela Station in Oshikango was established and named in his honour.[6]

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. 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. ISBN 9783905141863. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
3. Olivier, Willie; Olivier, Sandra (2006). African Adventurer's Guide to Namibia. Struik. p. 110. ISBN 9781868728589. Retrieved 16 October 2016.^[permanent dead link‍]
4. "Parliament Gardens". Rough Guides. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
5. "BIOGRAPHIES OF NAMIBIAN PERSONALITIESin alphabetical order". www.klausdierks.com. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
6. Nembwaya, Hileni (1 September 2016). "Govt neglect adding to Oshikango woes, as town deteriorates". The Confidente. Retrieved 18 October 2016.