On the eve of 21 March 2025, till the morning hours, the rain poured relentlessly over Windhoek, as if the heavens themselves sought to bless the moment.
What was meant to be a grand, open-air spectacle at Independence Stadium was instead moved to the halls of State House – a more intimate yet equally symbolic setting for the swearing-in of Namibia’s first female president.
The Banquet Hall where the main event took place carried the weight of history.
Among those seated were heads of state, international dignitaries, top government officials and the political elite, some exchanging hushed words, others simply taking in the gravity of the moment.
Outside and across the country, Namibians gathered around TV screens and radios, waiting to witness a moment that would go down in the nation’s history.
Then, at 11h00, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took the oath of office.
“I stand before you today with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Namibia who placed their trust in me,” she declared.
Legacy
Her journey to this moment had been anything but ordinary.
A veteran of Namibia’s liberation struggle, a diplomat, a minister, and, most recently, the country’s vice president – Nandi-Ndaitwah had spent decades at the forefront of policy and governance before becoming the country’s president.
“Many women, including myself, have been occupying strategic positions in government. We may all know that equality between women and men and the empowerment of women is a work in progress all over the world,” she remarked.
But let it be clear, she noted in her maiden speech, “I was not elected because I am a woman. I was elected on merit.”
“That is to say, as women, we should not ask to be elected to positions of responsibility because we are women, but because we are capable members of our societies to hold those positions,” she asserted.
Sisterhood
The ceremony was a powerful gathering of global female leaders. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Liberia’s former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Ghana’s Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, were among those who witnessed the historic moment.
As of March 2025, Africa has had a few elected female presidents, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius.
Others, like Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, assumed office through succession or appointment.
In her congratulatory remarks, Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan described the event as a historic moment of pride, saying it sets a higher benchmark for the African girl child.
She praised Nandi-Ndaitwah’s dedication to Namibia’s progress and her commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.
“We have witnessed your tireless efforts to improve the lives of all Namibians and your relentless pursuit of peace and prosperity for your nation. As you take on this new role, I want to assure you that Tanzania remains committed to strengthening the enduring friendship between our two countries. You can count on our full support as you lead Namibia,” she noted.
Suluhu Hassan also reminisced about Nandi-Ndaitwah’s global advocacy for women’s rights, particularly her pivotal role at the Beijing Conference.
This landmark event led to the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which advanced policies promoting gender equality worldwide.
Mbumba
Also delivering a speech at the inauguration, former president Nangolo Mbumba marked the occasion by reflecting on Namibia’s journey and bidding farewell to the nation he served.
“What we are celebrating would not be possible without the invaluable sacrifices made by brave Namibian men and women who selflessly paid the ultimate price to ensure freedom and independence for all. Their blood waters the foundations of our democracy and nourishes the pillars of Unity, Liberty, and Justice,” said Mbumba.
He also honoured Namibia’s founding leaders, particularly the late Sam Nujoma, the nation’s first president, as well as Hifikepunye Pohamba and the late Hage Geingob.
He said, “This triumvirate of revolutionary leaders has played a significant role in shaping Namibia and the destiny of its people.”
In an emotional moment, President Mbumba bid farewell to the Namibian people.
“Today marks the final occasion on which I will say goodbye to you, the beautiful Namibian people, as president. To say that my tenure has been eventful would be an understatement. Nevertheless, being President of the Republic of Namibia has been the greatest honour ever bestowed upon me,” he bade.
He expressed deep gratitude to his family, supporters, and international allies, including Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan.
“Thank you to our Guest of Honour, our sister, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Thank you to Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government for your support during a very difficult chapter in our history, losing two iconic leaders.”
President Mbumba concluded with a message of hope for the future.
“Now, as we turn the last page of this final chapter, we look forward to the beginning of a new chapter – a chapter of hope, promise, and prosperity. The chapter of Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Let us all support her and wish her good health, strength, and wisdom.”
– ljason@nepc.com.na