Kalumbi Shangula

Kalumbi Shangula (born 8 August 1948) is a Namibian doctor and politician from the SWAPO Party. He has been minister of Health and Social Services since 19 December 2018.

Kalumbi Shangula
Minister of Health and Social Services
Assumed office
20 December 2018
PresidentHage Geingob
Preceded byBernard Haufiku
Personal details
Born8 August 1948
Etilyasa, Omusati Region
Political partySWAPO
SpouseElizabeth Hinananye Shangula
ProfessionMedical doctor, Politician

Early life and education

Shangula was born as third of ten children on 8 August in Etilyasa in what is today Omusati Region. He completed matric at Ongwediva High School. His tertiary degrees are a diploma in public health from Harvard University and a MSc in medicine from University of London, an MD from Moscow, and an MBA from Maastricht.[1][2]

Career

After graduation Shangula worked as a medical officer, first as intern, then as health officer, superintendent, and regional health director. During the armed fight for Namibian independence Shangula rose to be chief of medical services at the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN). After independence he ran his own medical practice before taking up an academic career at the University of Namibia. His last position there was assistant pro-vice chancellor.[2]

Already a member of SWAPO[3] Shangula then entered into politics, becoming permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Until 2017, Shangula also served as managing director of SWAPO's own group Kalahari Holdings.[4] Shangula entered Parliament in December 2018 on an appointment by president Hage Geingob. He immediately assumed the position of minister of Health and Social Services, replacing Bernard Haufiku.[5][6]

As health minister, Shangula led Namibia's COVID-19 response, ordering a travel ban and partial lockdown in March 2020.[7]

Personal life

Shangula was married to the Namibian pathologist Elizabeth Hinananye Shangula from July 28, 1981, until her death in 2008.[8]

References
  1. Siririka, Paheja (29 January 2021). "At home with Dr Kalumbi Shangula - Shangula shares his love for sport". New Era.
  2. "Managements: Ministry of Health & Social Services". Government of Namibia. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  3. "Shangula sworn in as MP". The Namibian. Retrieved 25 December 2018.
  4. Immanuel, Shinovene (18 September 2014). "Diamonds are Swapo's best friends". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  5. Steyn, Riaan (19 December 2018). "Dr. Kalumbi Shangula appointed as new health minister". Informanté. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 25 December 2018.
  6. "Shangula, Kalumbi". Parliament of Namibia. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  7. Nyaungwa, Nyasha (24 March 2020). "Namibia announces travel ban, partial lockdown after seventh coronavirus case". Reuters. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  8. "Exile doctor passes on". The Namibian. Retrieved 25 December 2018.
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