Namibia remembers sanitation pioneer Libertina Amathila
Former deputy prime minister Amathila, Namibia's first woman doctor, drove to eliminate bucket toilets.
Former deputy prime minister Libertina Amathila, Namibia's first woman medical doctor, is remembered for her drive to eliminate bucket toilets across the country. Amathila, 85, who was part of the Tanganyika group, retired from politics 16 years ago. Former colleagues recall her energy and imagination, noting she often left her office to help marginalized communities.
Former prime minister Nahas Angula stated that Amathila used her position to support communities with limited basic services, often establishing clinics or houses. Nurse Erika Akweye, who worked with Amathila during the liberation struggle and after independence, noted her contributions extended beyond politics. Amathila, born in Fransfontein in 1940, pursued medicine after witnessing poor hospital conditions.
Amathila studied medicine in Poland, graduating in 1969 and becoming Namibia's first woman doctor. She later earned postgraduate diplomas in nutrition and public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. During the liberation struggle, she provided healthcare to Namibians in Swapo refugee camps and encouraged women's family planning and education.
Why it mattersLibertina Amathila's political career and efforts to improve basic services like sanitation and healthcare directly impacted Namibian citizens.