Shangula prepares for retirement after years of public service
Namibia’s health minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula (76), is set to retire on 20 March after decades of service in the country’s health sector.
As he prepares to step down, Shangula reflects on his career, his contributions to public health and his plans for the future.
Born on August 8, 1948, in Etilyasa, Omusati Region, Shangula pursued a career in medicine, earning a medical degree in Moscow, a diploma in public health from Harvard University, an MSc in medicine from the University of London and an MBA from the Maastricht School of Management.
During Namibia’s struggle for independence, Shangula served as chief of medical services for the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), providing essential healthcare to fellow fighters.
Following independence, he held key positions in the country’s health sector, including medical superintendent, regional health director and assistant pro-vice chancellor at the University of Namibia. He also served as permanent secretary in the health and social services and environment and tourism ministries.
Tough tenure
In December 2018, late president Hage Geingob appointed Shangula as the health minister. His tenure was marked by major public health challenges, including Namibia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, the ministry implemented travel bans, lockdowns and vaccination campaigns aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.
As he prepares to exit public office, Shangula says he is ready to pass on the responsibility. “Politics is not a lifelong preoccupation,” he said. “There comes a time when someone else must take over.” He added that he is compiling an “accountability report” to assist his successor in ensuring a smooth transition.
Although retiring from politics, Shangula does not plan to step away from his profession entirely. “I will not be far from being a medical doctor,” he said. He also expressed an interest in writing, having previously authored one book. “There are many issues I have encountered throughout my career that I would like to share with the public,” he added.
Beyond writing and medicine, Shangula hinted at a quieter life post-retirement, possibly including farming. However, his impact on Namibia’s health sector is expected to endure long after he leaves office.
Shangula added that not volunteering himself for the parliamentary list had nothing to do with a lack of confidence but everything to do with the plans to retire.
As he prepares to step down, Shangula reflects on his career, his contributions to public health and his plans for the future.
Born on August 8, 1948, in Etilyasa, Omusati Region, Shangula pursued a career in medicine, earning a medical degree in Moscow, a diploma in public health from Harvard University, an MSc in medicine from the University of London and an MBA from the Maastricht School of Management.
During Namibia’s struggle for independence, Shangula served as chief of medical services for the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), providing essential healthcare to fellow fighters.
Following independence, he held key positions in the country’s health sector, including medical superintendent, regional health director and assistant pro-vice chancellor at the University of Namibia. He also served as permanent secretary in the health and social services and environment and tourism ministries.
Tough tenure
In December 2018, late president Hage Geingob appointed Shangula as the health minister. His tenure was marked by major public health challenges, including Namibia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, the ministry implemented travel bans, lockdowns and vaccination campaigns aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.
As he prepares to exit public office, Shangula says he is ready to pass on the responsibility. “Politics is not a lifelong preoccupation,” he said. “There comes a time when someone else must take over.” He added that he is compiling an “accountability report” to assist his successor in ensuring a smooth transition.
Although retiring from politics, Shangula does not plan to step away from his profession entirely. “I will not be far from being a medical doctor,” he said. He also expressed an interest in writing, having previously authored one book. “There are many issues I have encountered throughout my career that I would like to share with the public,” he added.
Beyond writing and medicine, Shangula hinted at a quieter life post-retirement, possibly including farming. However, his impact on Namibia’s health sector is expected to endure long after he leaves office.
Shangula added that not volunteering himself for the parliamentary list had nothing to do with a lack of confidence but everything to do with the plans to retire.
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