First Gentleman Lieutenant General (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah spoke with affection, pride and deep emotion about his wife, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during the premiere of the new documentary ‘Netumbo: A Leader Beyond Politics’.

The film, produced by MultiChoice Namibia and expected to be made public today, narrates the life story of Namibia’s first female President – from her village days in northern Namibia to her time in the State House.

For her husband, the story was also a personal journey through more than four decades of shared love and struggle.

When asked how he felt to watch his wife’s story on screen, the retired army chief smiled and said quietly, “What I have seen tells me that history is in the making. The legacy is being made.” 

He added that he and his wife walked life’s path together for a long time. 

“We came of age together. We never dreamt that one day she would be President of this country. And I never expected to be called what is known today as the First Gentleman,” he stated.

The couple met in Zambia during the liberation struggle when both were young Swapo activists living in exile. 

Their relationship grew,  built on respect, purpose and sacrifice. 

They later got married while still in exile. 

 This year they celebrated 42 years in marriage.

“That is quite a long time to go,” he said with a gentle chuckle. 

He continued, “There’s no reason why I must not feel emotional about what is happening”.

The documentary shows how their marriage was tested by long distance. 

Ndaitwah served at the military front while Nandi-Ndaitwah worked in Swapo offices and later in diplomacy. 

They had both accepted that their mission came first.

“Life in exile was different. We all belonged to the movement, not to ourselves. Separation was part of the struggle,” he said.

At the premiere, the retired general spoke softly about 21 March, when his wife was sworn in as Namibia’s fifth President.

“That day was very emotional. I was there to witness it. I had to hold my feelings. It was the moment to accept reality,” he said.

He said he had never imagined that the young woman he met in exile would one day become Namibia’s Head of State.

“We have always known a country with a president. But we never thought she would be the one,” he added.

The audience at the film’s screening listened in silence as he shared his feelings.  For many, it was the most touching part of the night – a moment that showed the love and mutual respect between the President and her husband.

“Legacy is not something you plan. Whatever you do in life becomes your legacy – whether it is good or bad. It depends on how you live,” he said.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah said she was happy that the film tells Namibia’s full liberation story – not just her own.

“When I do something, I do it for others, not for myself,” she said. 

“I am a Namibian, and I love my country,” she remarked.

“History is being written before our eyes. I am grateful to have lived long enough to see it,” the First Gentleman said.