List of colonial governors of South West Africa

Colonial governor of South West Africa
Longest serving
Theodor Leutwein

15 March 1894–19 August 1905
German South West Africa
Formation9 April 1883
First holderHeinrich Vogelsang
Final holderLouis Pienaar
Abolished21 March 1990
SuccessionPresident of Namibia

This article lists the colonial governors of South West Africa. South West Africa was the colonial predecessor of the modern day Republic of Namibia from when the territory was controlled by the German Empire (as German South West Africa) and the Union of South Africa.

The title of the position changed a number of times. Under German rule, the title of the position went from Commissioner (1884–1893) to Provincial Governor (Landeshauptleute) (1893–1898) to Governor (1898–1915). Under South African rule, the title was Administrator (1915–1977) and Administrator-General (1977–1990).

After the United Nations terminated South Africa's mandate to govern South West Africa, the UN appointed commissioners of its own. They had no authority and South Africa refused to recognize them, and are not included here.


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