Namibian Homelands

Note: Beginning in 1968, homelands similar to those in South Africa were established.
South Africa planned to create homelands for the different groups in Namibia, and three areas, Caprivi, Ovamboland and Kavango, were granted self-government. In Jul 1980 the system was changed to one of separate governments on the basis of ethnicity only, and not geography. These governments were abolished in May 1989 at the start of the transition to independence.

Party abbreviations: CDA = Christian Democratic Action; DC = Damara Council; DTA = Democratic Turnhalle Alliance; RFP = Rehoboth Freedom Party; SP = Seoposengwe Party 

                     Unofficial

No self-government established.

              2 May 1979 (proposed)

 

Headquarters: Khorixas

Population: N/A

Chairman of the Executive Committee
29 Dec 1980 - May 1989   Justus Garoëb                      (b. 1942)        DC

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                        Unofficial
 

Headquarters: Okanhandja

Population: N/A

 2 Oct 1968                Hereoland homeland.
26 Jul 1970                Self-government granted.

Paramount Chiefs of the Ovaherero
 2 Oct 1968 - 18 Jul 1970  Hosea Kutako                       (b. 1870 - d. 1970)
26 Jul 1967 - 20 Jul 1970  Clemens Mutuurunge Kapuuo          (b. 1923 - d. 1978)
Chief ministers (the paramount chiefs of the Ovaherero)
20 Jul 1970 - 27 Mar 1978  Clemens Mutuurunge Kapuuo          (s.a.)
 7 Jun 1978 -  5 Dec 1980  Kuaima Isaac Riruako               (b. 1935)
Chairmen of the Executive Committee
 5 Dec 1980 - Sept 1984    Thimoteus Tjamuaha
Sept 1984 - Aug 1987       Erastus Tjejamba (1st time)        (b. 1936)
Aug 1987 - Oct 1987        Gottlob Hengombe Mbaukua (1st time)(b. 1934)
Oct 1987 - Feb 1988        Erastus Tjejamba (2nd time)        (s.a.)
Feb 1988 - May 1989        Gottlob Hengombe Mbaukua (2nd time)(s.a.)

No self-government established.

                     1973 - 1989

Oct 1970                   Kavangoland homeland.
May 1973                   Self-government granted.

Chief Councillor
Oct 1970 - 11 May 1973     Linus Shashipapo                   (d. 1985) 
Chief ministers
11 May 1973 - Nov 1973     Linus Shashipapo                   (s.a.)
Nov 1973 - 20 Jan 1981     Alfons Majavero                    (b. 1934) 
Chairman of the Executive Committee
20 Jan 1981 - May 1989     Sebastiaan Kamwanga                (b. 1929 - d. 1999)  DTA

Mar 1972                   East Caprivi homeland.
Mar 1976                   Self-government granted.
 1 Apr 1976                Renamed Lozi.
 1 Jul 1984 - May 1989     Administered by the central government.

Chief Councillor
Mar 1972 - Mar 1976        Josiah Moraliswane                 (b. 1914 - d. 1996)
Chief ministers
Mar 1976 - 20 Sep 1976     Josiah Moraliswane                 (s.a.)
21 Sep 1976 - 31 Mar 1981  Richard Muhinda Mamili             (b. 1932 - d. 1987)  DTA
Chairman of the Executive Committee
 1 Apr 1981 - 30 Jun 1984  Josiah Moraliswane                 (s.a.)
 1 Jul 1984 - 29 Aug 1984  H.J. Becker
30 Aug 1984 - 18 Mar 1986  F.P.J. Visagie
19 Mar 1984 - 19 Aug 1986  I.J. van der Merwe
20 Aug 1986 - May 1989     A.G. Visser

Chairmen of the Executive Committee
 1 Jul 1980 - 31 Mar 1985  Cornelius Cloete                   (b. 1945)         DTA
 1 Jun 1985 - May 1989     Daniel Luipert                     (b. 1937)         DTA

                     1973 - 1989

 2 Oct 1968                Ovamboland homeland.
 1 May 1973                Self-government granted.

Chief Councillors
 2 Oct 1968 - 14 Jan 1972  Uushona Shiimi               (b. 1919 - d. 1972)
Jan 1972 -  1 May 1973     Filemon Elifas               (b. 1932 - d. 1975)
Chief ministers
 1 May 1973 - 16 Aug 1975  Filemon Elifas               (s.a.)
16 Aug 1975 - Jul 1980     Cornelius Thuhageni Njoba    (b. 1930 - d. 1982)
                             (acting to 26 Aug 1975)
Chairmen of the Executive Committee
Jul 1980 - Oct 1981        Cornelius Thuhageni Njoba    (s.a.)
Oct 1981 - May 1989        Peter Kalangula              (b. 1926)             CDA

               Unofficial
 

Headquarters: Rehoboth

Population: N/A

Chairman of the Executive Committee (Captain of the Basters)
 2 Jul 1979 - Jun 1989    Johannes "Hans" Diergaardt         (b. 1927 - d. 1998)  RFP

Chairman of the Executive Committee
19 Dec 1980 - May 1989     Constance Letang Kgosiemang       (b. 1946)            SP/DTA