JP Niehaus Papers

Abstract

Jacques Pierre de Mowbray Niehaus was born in Clanwilliam in 1910. He was educated at the Rondebosch Boys High School and at the University of Cape Town graduating with a BA LLB degree. In 1931 he received the degree LLM from London University. Two years later, Mr Niehaus (also known as Percy) became Assistant Attorney-General of South West Africa (now Namibia) and from 1939 to 1941 he was acting Attorney-General for the Territory.

In 1945 he represented the United National South West Party (UNSWP) in the SWA election and was elected a member of the Legislative Assembly for Okahandja, becoming a member of the Executive Committee and Leader of the UNSWP in 1950. From 1955 to 1966 Percy Niehaus represented the Windhoek East constituency in the Legislative Assembly of South West Africa.

Mr Niehaus also served in the South African Parliament as a nominated United Party senator for Natal during the period 1970 to 1974. He continued to be active in South West African politics, becoming chairman of the SWA Action Group in 1976 and took part in the Turnhalle Convention the following year. He represented AKTUR (Action for the Retention of the Turnhalle Principles) in the National Assembly from 1978 onwards.

THE J P NIEHAUS PAPERS (3.2 linear metres)

The Niehaus Papers were donated to the United Party Archives in 1991 and reflect the distinguished political and legal career of a man who played an important part over several decades in the development of South West Africa. The papers comprise of correspondence, memoranda, pamphlets and press cuttings which would be of great interest to students of history and political science. The subject material ranges from agricultural, economic, labour and constitutional matters to legal affairs, with the accent always on South West Africa.

The Niehaus Papers provide an overview of many of the events that brought about constitutional development and changes in South West Africa/Namibia.