Namibia’s LGBTIQ+ community is mourning the loss of Jholerina Brinnette Timbo, an internationally recognised pioneer in the fight for transgender rights.
Affectionately known as “Madam Jholerina,” she passed away on 9 October 2025, just a month after celebrating her 40th birthday. The cause of her death has not been made public.
The beloved activist, who was born on 7 September 1985, is being remembered across the world as the mother of Namibia’s trans rights movement. A chef by profession, she was also a Nelson Mandela Fellow (2018) and part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI, 2016).
Her passing was announced by Wings to Transcend Namibia, the organisation she founded in 2015 and led until 2020.
“Jholerina was not only the visionary who gave birth to Wings to Transcend Namibia – she was the heartbeat of our movement. A fearless advocate, a nurturer of hope, and a guiding light for the transgender community in Namibia and beyond,” said the organisation.
“Her strength transformed pain into purpose, her voice broke barriers, and her love uplifted countless lives. We mourn the loss of a true pioneer whose legacy will forever burn brightly in our hearts and work.”
“As we grieve this immense loss, we also honour her life – a life that changed history for so many trans and gender-diverse persons in Namibia.”
A Voice of Courage and Visibility
Jholerina’s pride and passion are evident in many of her quotes now being shared online.
“I’m an African woman. To understand me, get to know me,” she once said. “This is who I am and what I am. I am the modern-day Cleopatra. Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.”
Reflecting on how trans visibility had evolved during her lifetime, she noted:
“When we were growing up, we were only a handful. And today, in this age, we see more and more visible younger trans people taking up space; not sitting and waiting to be given an opportunity. They go out there and they just live their best lives.”
In an in-depth interview with Beyond the Margin’s Carl Collison, Jholerina revealed that her parents were steadfast supporters of her gender identity. She also spoke candidly about the daily challenges faced by trans people in Namibia.
“You need to mentally prepare yourself for all the challenges when you leave your front door. When you open that door and just walk out, you know, immediately, beginning in the street, you will be stigmatised and discriminated [against] all the way till you get to your job… You mentally need to prepare yourself.”
Tributes from Across Southern Africa and Beyond
Organisations across Southern Africa and around the world have expressed their heartbreak at Jholerina’s passing, highlighting the lasting impact of her work.
Equal Namibia honoured her as a trailblazer who fought for a country where every trans person could live and thrive.
“Her legacy lives in every trans Namibian who dares to live freely, proudly, and unapologetically. We stand on her shoulders as young queer Namibians, who she nurtured, pushed, and supported to become the out and proud leaders she inspired us to be.”
Pan Africa ILGA paid tribute to her leadership, courage, and unwavering belief in justice.
“She stood tall in spaces that were never made for her, and she made space for others. We honour her life, her labour, and her love,” said the organisation.
Broden Giambrone, Executive Director of the International Trans Fund, described her as “a force: brilliant, thoughtful, and funny,” adding:
“We honour her legacy, stand with her family and community, and recommit to the work she championed.”
A Lasting Legacy of Love and Liberation
Her passing was also acknowledged by ILGA World, which described her as a beloved trans activist:
“Jholerina Brinnette Timbo was a passionate advocate for trans people across Southern Africa and beyond. She founded our member organisation Wings to Transcend Namibia, who are mourning the loss of ‘the heartbeat of a movement’.”
At MambaOnline, we honour Jholerina’s unwavering commitment to building a better world for trans and all LGBTIQ+ people. Hers was a life well-lived — a life of courage, compassion, and transformation.
Rest in power, Jholerina.
