Passion or Profession: independence leader

Period: 1924–

Toivo ya Toivo was born shortly after Namibia came under the control of South Africa. Within 30 years, the South Africans had imposed apartheid and made life increasingly harsh for black Namibians. Toivo ya Toivo helped organize his country’s revolution, but he paid for his actions with 16 years in a South African jail. Upon his release he became involved in the new government of Namibia.