John Pandeni

John Alphons Pandeni (30 July 1950 – 14 March 2008) was a Namibian politician and trade unionist. He was a member of SWAPO and Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development until his death in 2008.

Early Life

Pandeni was born in the village of Omundjalala in the Omusati Region of northern Namibia. After receiving military training in Tanzania and Angola, Pandeni was arrested in 1978 for anti-apartheid activities with People's Liberation Army of Namibia guerrilla movement. After his arrest, Pandeni was imprisoned on Robben Island until 1985. After his release, Pandeni became the founding Secretary of the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union until 1992. In that year he entered politics, serving as Regional Councillor for Soweto constituency in Katutura, Windhoek. A year later he became the Khomas Regional Governor until 2005. He later entered President Hifikepunye Pohamba's first cabinet.

Legacy

Pandeni is buried alongside other former liberation leaders at Heroes' Acre, outside of Windhoek.

John Pandeni's gravesite at the national war memorial, Heroes' Acre