Lahja Nashuuta
Namibia will mark a historic moment tomorrow as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is inaugurated as the country’s first female president, ushering in a new chapter of leadership. Nandi-Ndaitwah was officially declared President-elect on 3 December 2024 after securing 57% of the vote in the presidential election, defeating opposition candidates Panduleni Itula and McHenry Venaani.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was officially declared President-elect on 3 December 2024 after securing 57% of the vote in the presidential election, defeating opposition candidates Panduleni Itula and McHenry Venaani. The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Independence Stadium, coinciding with Namibia’s annual Independence Day celebrations on 21 March.
The event is expected to be attended by regional leaders and dignitaries.
A seasoned politician, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been recognised for her extensive achievements in public service both locally and internationally. She has been a member of the National Assembly of Namibia since 1990. Her political career includes serving as Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation from 1990 to 1996. She first attained ministerial status in 1996 as Director General of Women’s Affairs in the Office of the President, a role she held until 2000. She was later appointed Minister of Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare, a position she held until 2005.
From 2005 to 2010, Nandi-Ndaitwah served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting, followed by a tenure as Minister of Environment and Tourism until 2012. In December 2012, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position later renamed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
In an interview with New Era, International Relations’ minister Peya Mushelenga expressed confidence in President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah, highlighting her extensive leadership experience, strong coordination skills and ability to mentor, listen and make considerate decisions. He also emphasised her deep understanding of international relations and economic diplomacy, stating, “She is passionate about women and youth empowerment, and takes issues of peace and security seriously.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in March 2015 under late President Hage Geingob while continuing her role as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. She is also a key figure in Swapo, serving on the party’s central committee and politburo, as well as holding the position of Secretary for Information and Mobilisation.
In March 2023, President Geingob named Nandi-Ndaitwah as Swapo’s presidential candidate for the 2024 Namibian general election. Following Geingob’s passing in February 2024, she was appointed Vice President, succeeding Nangolo Mbumba, who assumed the presidency.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa reaffirmed the party’s confidence in Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, expressing optimism about her ability to guide Namibia towards prosperity. In an interview with New Era, Shaningwa described her election as a pivotal moment in Namibia’s history. “As the first woman to hold the highest office in the land, her leadership brings fresh hope, not just for gender equality, but also for the revitalisation of Namibia’s economic and social landscape,” she stated.
“By electing the first female president, Namibia has raised the bar in the Southern African region, and other countries may draw inspiration from it,” Shaningwa added.