John Mutorwa

The Honourable John Mutorwa MP
Deputy-Prime Minister of Namibia
Incumbent
Assumed office 9 February 2024
Preceded by	Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Minister of Works and Transport
Incumbent
Assumed office February 2018
President	Hage Geingob
Preceded by	Alpheus ǃNaruseb
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
In office 2010–2018
President	Hage Geingob
Preceded by	Nickey Iyambo
Succeeded by	Alpheus ǃNaruseb
Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture
In office 2005–2010
President	Hifikepunye Pohamba Hage Geingob
Preceded by	position established
Succeeded by	Willem Konjore
Minister of Basic Education, Culture and Sport
In office 1995–2005
President	Sam Nujoma
Preceded by	Nahas Angula
Succeeded by	Nangolo Mbumba
Personal details
Born	(1957-08-17) 17 August 1957 South West Africa
Nationality	Namibian
Political party	SWAPO
Spouse	Agnes Mutorwa ​ (m. 1991)​
Residence(s)	Windhoek, Rundu
Alma mater	University of Fort Hare University of Namibia
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Teacher

John Mutorwa (born 17 August 1957) is a Namibian politician and currently a deputy prime minister and Minister of Works and Transport. A member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Mutorwa has served in the National Assembly of Namibia as well as the cabinet since 1992.

Early life and education

Born at Nyangana in Okavango Region, Mutorwa attended the University of Fort Hare, from where he graduated in 1984. He earned a B.A. in 1995 from the University of Namibia. In 2002, he earned a master's degree in Interdisciplinary studies from the University of Montana.

Following his education at Fort Hare, Mutorwa returned to Kavangoland, where he worked as a teacher and principal from 1985 to 1990. He also worked for reconciliation efforts, serving as Secretary of the Repatriation, Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Roman Catholic Justice and Peace Commission from 1988 to 1989.

Political career

Following Namibian independence in 1990, Mutorwa joined government as regional commissioner for Kavango, Omega, and Tsumkwe. In 1992 he became a member of both parliament and cabinet. He was appointed deputy minister of water affairs in the Office of the President in 1992 and deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources in 1994.

In 1995, he was promoted to head the Ministry of Basic Education, Culture and Sport, remaining there until 2005. When that ministry was split in 2005, he retained the Youth, National Services, Sport and Culture ministerial portfolio, and in 2010 he was moved to the post of Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Under the presidency of Hage Geingob, Mutorwa was retained in his post as minister of agriculture, water and forestry in March 2015. In February 2018, Mutorwa was appointed Minister of Works and Transport. In February 2024, Motorwa was appointed by the new president Nangolo Mbumba as a new Deputy Prime Minister and a Minister of Works and Transport.

Mutorwa was awarded the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, first class, for his distinguished service above the call of duty in August 2024, by President Nangolo Mbumba.