Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan was yesterday among the first leaders to congratulate Namibia’s president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who won the country’s Presidential elections with 57% of the vote.
In her congratulatory message, Hassan said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory is historic in nature and one that sets a new transformative tone for SADC and African politics.
“I am looking forward to working with you in strengthening the all-weather fraternal bonds and historical ties between Tanzania and Namibia.
On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President-elect of Namibia,” said Hassan.
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first ever female president should not only be embraced by those in SADC and Africa, but by all worldwide.
“On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, I offer my warm congratulations to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Your election as fifth President of Namibia and the first woman in our region to hold this high office is a testament to democracy and its ability to transform our societies. Congratulations to you personally, my sister, and to Swapo, which has benefited greatly from your leadership as vice-president of the organisation.
I look forward to us deepening our relationship with Namibia and ensuring the people of our two nations will come to greater understanding and appreciation of our shared history and our shared future,” said Ramaphosa.
Democratic Republic of the Congo prime minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka in her congratulatory message described Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as not only transformative and historic, but trendsetting and inspirational.
“I am deeply moved by this victory, which strengthens our belief in the power of female leadership. This event sends a powerful message to Africa and the entire world; women are at the heart of change and the transformation of our societies. When barriers fall and glass ceilings are broken, it is not just one woman who rises, but entire generations who draw strength and inspiration from her. Together, let’s move the lines.”
Meanwhile, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, heaped praise on the country’s newly elected leader, saying: “Congratulations to my sister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on being elected the first female President of Namibia. I look forward to working closely with you and your team towards health for all.”
Faith Odhiambo, one of Africa’s foremost lawyers and vice president of the Law Society of Kenya, described Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as revolutionary and groundbreaking.
“The history of African women in leadership tells a tale of many revolutionary and visionary change-makers.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa joins the growing class of extraordinary African women leading societies and nations to hope and prosperity. It is a proud day for Namibia and a proud day for Africa,” Odhiambo said.
Additionally, the Palestinian embassy in South Africa similarly congratulated Namibia’s president-elect.
“Palestine wishes Namibia every success and expresses hope that the strong bonds of friendship, solidarity, and shared struggles against colonisation will continue to deepen and flourish.”
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na