Chief Hosea Kutako (1870 – 1970) was an early nationalist leader in Namibia and founding member of the South West African National Union, SWANU. 

Namibia declared independence from South Africa in 1990 and Hosea Kutako is remembered as one of nine national heroes of Namibia. Founding president Sam Nujoma remarked in his inauguration speech in 2002 that: “Chief Hosea Komombumbi Kutako /.../ participated in the anti-colonial wars of 1904 as one of the leading commanders. He also played an historic and significant role in petitioning the United Nations Organization demanding the placement of the then South West Africa under the United Nations trusteeship system. /.../ In this way, he played a major role in Namibia's struggle for freedom and independence. To his revolutionary spirit and his visionary memory, we humbly offer our honor and respect.”

Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909 – 1992) was an Irish sculptor that used wood, stone, and bronze media. He won awards for his work and has been exhibited in the MOMA of New York, Tate Britain of London, and in Northern Ireland. The artist was commissioned by Eleanor Roosevelt to sculpt the life-size work live when he visited Windhoek, Namibia in July 1962. 

The bust was presented to the United Nations on 22 November 1962 as a gift from the Africa Bureau. Namibia became a United Nations member state on 21 March 1990.