Theophilus Hamutumbangela
Theophilus Hamutumbangela | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 February 1917 |
| Died | 28 November 1990 |
| 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, there is a bronze statue of Hamutumbangela in the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e Macmillan, Gamsberg. "Hamutumbangela, Theofilus". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Namhila, Ellen Ndeshi (2005). Kaxumba KaNdola: Man and Myth. Basler Afrika Bibliographien. p. 34. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Olivier, Willie; Olivier, Sandra (2006). African Adventurer's Guide to Namibia. Struik. p. 110. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ a b "Parliament Gardens". Rough Guides. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ Nembwaya, Hileni (1 September 2016). "Govt neglect adding to Oshikango woes, as town deteriorates". The Confidente. Retrieved 18 October 2016.