The Empty Armchair
Libertina I. Amathila
ISBN 9789994589401
Publishes by Dr Libertina Apollus Amathila, December 2019
Paperback with colour photographs
When Deputy Prime Minister Dr Libertina Amathila retired after 40 years of service to Namibia, she was given a reclining armchair by a friend. Her drive and activism kept her so busy, however, that she had no time to sit in it. Instead, she focussed on developing her farm in the Kalahari sandveld, clearing the bush and breeding Brahman cattle. She also continued to be active on a national level, leading the Wage Commissions for Domestic Workers, and initiating projects in support of communities in the far north-west of Namibia.
The Empty Armchair
recounts the stories of this period in Dr Amathila’s life. She shares how she learnt about farming through practical experience and advises the reader on farm management. She describes the building of clinics and school hostels in Kaoko, where she took part in the physical work herself.
Practical, funny, modest and wise, The Empty Armchair is a fascinating insight into the life and philosophy of one of Namibia’s great leaders. Her contribution to Namibia’s liberation struggle and development since Independence has been immense and she continues to serve the nation.
The Empty Armchair is a sequel to Dr Amathila’s autobiography Making a Difference.