Passion or Profession: President

Period: 1929–

Nujoma was a major leader in the armed struggle for Namibia’s independence from South Africa. Upon gaining independence, he was elected its first president in 1990 and reelected in 1994 and 1999. He has been praised for his moderate approach to modernization and for helping women and children. Some fear his land reforms that redistribute land from white farmers to black citizens could hurt the economy.