Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history on Friday, being sworn in as Namibia’s first female president. Her inauguration coincided with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary, although it was moved from a stadium to the presidential office due to heavy rainfall. At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office as Namibia’s fifth president, succeeding Nangolo Mbumba, who had served as interim president following the death of Hage Geingob in February 2024.
Leaders from across Africa attended the ceremony, including those from South Africa, Zambia, Congo, Botswana, Angola, and Kenya, along with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and former leaders Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Joyce Banda of Malawi.
In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined the key challenges ahead, stating, “The task facing me as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia is to preserve the gains of our independence… and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement is carried forward with vigor and determination.”
Born in Onamutai, Namibia, on October 29, 1952, Nandi-Ndaitwah was the ninth of thirteen children. She joined the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) at just 14, dedicating herself to Namibia’s fight for independence from South African rule. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she lived in exile in various countries, including Zambia, Tanzania, the former Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, where she gained international exposure and pursued her education.
Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah played a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape, serving in several ministerial capacities. She held the position of foreign minister before becoming vice president in 2024.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, representing the SWAPO party, secured a victory in the November 2024 election with 57% of the vote, defeating Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 26%. She has expressed a strong commitment to governance reforms, insisting on good governance and high ethical standards in public institutions. A staunch advocate for women’s rights, Nandi-Ndaitwah was instrumental in passing Namibia’s Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002 and has consistently pushed for increased female representation in politics.
On the international stage, she has reiterated Namibia’s support for the self-determination of Palestine and Western Sahara and has called for the lifting of sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. She is also committed to addressing climate change, a pressing issue for Namibia, which frequently faces severe droughts.
In her personal life, Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to retired General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, the former chief of the Namibian Defence Force, who will be known as the “first gentleman.” Together, they have three sons. Despite her prominent political career, she keeps her personal life private and is deeply passionate about community work, particularly in areas concerning children.
Be the first to comment