As children, we would be informed that a meeting consisting of only men adjourns. 

The reason was so that ‘they’ go think about the issue. 

Tomorrow morning, everybody would return, and each one would be asked what ‘their’ decision was. 

Suddenly, the stalemate would be resolved. 

I only got to know the truth as an adult that the reason was for men to run the idea by the wife. 

Even in the comfort of their homes, women have fulfilled that critical part of thinking for men. 

Through that, they have been part of the African leadership concept and set-up. Well, there is the secret.

In the pre-colonial era, many geographical kingdoms were under the leadership of women as queens. 

Starting from Egypt through Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Angola and Namibia down to Queen Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

The most advanced and powerful empires were run by women as queens. During this era, pre-colonial societies saw advancements in agriculture, trade and infrastructure development. These queens were renowned for their wisdom, political acumen, and the art of negotiating with their enemies for the benefit of their people. 

They were the first to introduce guerilla warfare. Contemporary Namibia has already seen the emergence of women as queens in the Ohangwena and Zambezi regions. 

The country is now on the brink of making history again, and elevating the first female to the position of presidency. 

I am sure that Gaob Justus //Garoeb was thinking of that once-glorious period of Africans when he voluntarily and consciously elected to endorse Comrade Nandi-Ndaitwah as a candidate. 

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah is calling upon all of us, who are frustrated with male-dominated leadership and those youth yearning for inclusion, to turn to Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

Gaob and Kamwanyah are teaching us that if we had a father of the nation, we would progress towards embracing a mother of the nation and a first gentleman for a chance.

Readings of Pan-African literature are teaching me that no queen or women president has ever failed in the history of mankind. 

Women have given life, and looked after us. 

In all African tradition, women have always been the ones who would work throughout the day, and ensure that the men and children eat first. 

They epitomise inclusivity every day of their life. To them, all children and humans are loved equally. The history of Nandi-Ndaitwah reflects her being a person of many firsts, among women. 

History has it that one does not get accorded so many firsts unless one succeeds first. Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa, informed me this year that Nandni-Ndaitwah has always been very hardworking and knowledgeable about the needs and aspirations of the Namibian people. 

I am reliably informed that the first president of Tanzania held her as the Swapo representative in high regard.

Her victory will not only be a Swapo Party victory, but for all the Namibian men, women, children and the country. 

It will be a victory for the young girl who has lost hope of becoming anything because of the lack of recognition of her gender, and the young boy child who yearns for guidance and protection in a world that awaits any misstep for eternal condemnation. 

Her victory will restore the dignity of women and give hope to women as it did in Liberia, Tanzania and Barbados. 

It will be a victory for our mothers, who gave their all for us to reach territories they never imagined existed. If they are good at keeping up a home, they must be good at keeping up the country.

Joyce Banda continues to teach us that the seeds of success in every nation on earth are best planted in women and children. 

We are called upon not to shy away from teaching future generations that when we were called upon to change the course of our country, we did not fail or falter. 

Those who liberated us taught us to be our masters, as we are the ones who know where we have been before. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah raised her hands not for herself, but to save our country during the time that our country needs firm and steady hands of ethical and excellent leadership and service delivery. She attended the Lenin Higher Komsomol School, where she earned a diploma in the work and practice of the communist youth movement.

She then obtained a post-graduate diploma in public administration and management from the Glasgow College of Technology. 

Later, she went on to do a further post-graduate diploma in international relations from Keele University before obtaining a master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from the same university in 1989. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah received an honorary degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2021 for her contribution towards the welfare of Namibians, Africans and the world as well as her role as a freedom fighter. 

The occasion was attended by all former and present presidents. 

She would occasionally enter the lecture room to teach political science students about the Republic of Tanzania. 

She is fluent in the Swahili language. 

She is credited for spearheading the design of the military uniform and chartering the plane that delivered the said military regalia worn by the Plan freedom fighters in Angola during the liberation struggle. 

As the longest-serving employee of our foreign ministry, she stands in pole position, having experienced various environments of many countries to create one that will serve all Namibians well. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership philosophy is underpinned by pragmatism, integrity, accountability, meritocracy and inclusivity. 

She will be strong only if we give her and her party the support she needs.

Go and vote for Nandi-Ndaitwah and Swapo party.

*Joshua Razikua Kaumbi is the former chairperson of the Pan African Student Society and founding member of the Pan Afrikan Centre of Namibia.