| Charles Ndaxu Namoloh | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Defence | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2005 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 February 1950 Ovamboland, South West Africa |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| Political party | SWAPO |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Military commander |
Major General Charles Dickson Ndaxu Phillip Namoloh (born 28 February, 1950) is a Namibian diplomat, politician and military figure. Beginning in 2005, Namoloh has been a member of the National Assembly of Namibia, as well as the defense minister of the country.[1]
Namoloh was born on 28 February, 1950, in Odibo, Ovamboland (now Ohangwena Region).[1]
Namoloh entered politics as a union organizer for the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) in 1971, in Walvis Bay during the Namibian War of Independence. Temporarily fleeing to southern Angola, Namoloh returned but was arrested in 1973 for pro-SWAPO activities. After spending time in prison, Namoloh was released to Kwanyama (Ovamboland) authorities to receive lashes for supporting SWAPO. Following the decolonization of Angola in 1974 following the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, Namoloh fled with other SWAPO Party Youth League members through Angola to SWAPO bases in Zambia. Rising quickly through the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), Namoloh became the chief of staff of Dimo Hamaambo in 1979. He fought under the nom de guerre "Ho Chi Minh".[1] Namoloh helped establish the Namibian Defence Force following independence in 1990 and worked within the NDF 1990-95. In 1995, Namoloh was sent to Angola as Namibia's representative. In 2003, the former PLAN commander was sent to New Delhi, India as Namibia's top diplomat in that country. He returned home in 2005 to be selected for the National Assembly and the Defense ministry position which he holds.