Weeks before Mee Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, I was significantly unnerved, wondering about the capacity of Namibian women to help her lead. Leadership is a team sport.

An exceptionally qualified individual, it is worth noting that I have absolutely no qualms about her leadership qualities. 

Her leadership capabilities have been honed for more than seven decades.

 I regard Namibia as blessed to have the cover of a gracious lady – one who is wise, skilled and compassionate. 

As I indulged a bit further to introspect, I invited Hon. Sanet Steenkamp and Hon. Maureen Hinda to a talk show to deliberate on how ready we, as women, are to serve and to do so excellently.  

I deem my obligation towards President Nandi-Ndaitwah as personal, and that it meant I needed to show up more focused, skilful, prepared and certainly in a more excellent and diligent fashion.  I remain committed to ensuring she would not be denigrated on the basis of my performance as if women cannot focus on the big picture. 

We prefer the side shows of leadership, rather than delivering the goods when and where it mattered. This milestone signifies progress but also carries a generational responsibility. 

The late Dr Myles Munroe, in his book titled ‘The Burden of Freedom’, makes the case that freedom is not free, and that countries which have gained independence must be mindful of the higher level of responsibility that accompanies freedom.  

He further purports that people may unconsciously prefer the perceived safety of oppression because it absolves them of the demands of freedom, which includes agency, self-discipline, hard work and the acceptance of personal and political responsibility. 

I am often intrigued by the manner in which a citizenry responds to a government policy statement that makes a demand on people to take responsibility and lay claim to a stake in their future. All too often, we rush into a blame game because that is how we absolve ourselves of our individual and collective responsibility. Genuine freedom requires a greater level of discipline, accountability and stewardship over one’s life and environment. Embracing freedom requires a different way of conduct. 

As this generation of women, who lead whether we serve on boards, in the C-suite or community, the onus is on us to show up for ourselves for the group of people who are female and also for H.E President Nandi-Ndaitwah.  

We may not like it, and we may even say we did not sign up to be anyone’s role model. However, the fact is, as a leader, you have influence – whether you serve in corporate, local authority or government. Shall I remind you that Dr John Maxwell defines leadership as influence? It is not a position or a title – it is a responsibility. Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton famously coined the phrase ‘burden of representation’. 

As the first black driver in that league, Hamilton consistently faces the pressure of standing as a symbol for an entire group. 

For black women, particularly in leadership, this burden is intensified by historical perceptions and societal expectations, especially in light of the perception still widely held that we must only show up as labour, entertainment or pleasure. This article explores why representation matters, how it intersects with leadership, and why women must approach this moment with responsibility rather than entitlement. After all, we are not here to decorate the table. We are here to enlarge it.

Burden of representation

When someone from a historically marginalised group rises to prominence, they often represent more than themselves. 

Their successes or failures become a reflection of an entire demographic. This dynamic is visible in politics, sport and corporate spaces.

Similarly, Namibia’s first female president will not simply be judged as an individual leader but as a symbol of female political leadership in the country and continent. 

This is a legacy moment – one to which women must rise as a collective and uphold the arms of this generation’s female Moses like Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses during a time of great challenge and contest. 

It is a time when we must remember Ubuntu – that she is because we are, and that we are because she is. Leadership is not a solo act. 

Guarding against entitlement

While this achievement is momentous, women in leadership must recognise that representation alone is not the goal – effective governance is. The presence of a female president should not lull women into a passive expectation that representation will automatically lead to transformation.

 Therefore, we must lead in such a manner that the front pages of the newspapers herald the successes more than the misses. 

Our governance must be exemplary, and we cannot afford to show up late, ill-prepared or, instead of taking ownership, present a list of excuses. 

This is an opportunity to forge closer networks and shape leadership norms, ensuring that women leaders lead with competence, compassion for each other, integrity and inclusivity. These networks of collaboration will reduce the psychological pressure that engulfs women in leadership and assist with feeling connected and less isolated. 

Perception 

Whether we acknowledge it or not, black women still face deeply ingrained perceptions regarding competence. 

It is our leadership capacity that is often met with scepticism, forcing women to go the extra mile to prove themselves. 

This challenge is not unique to Namibia. It is a reality across Africa and beyond. 

Women in power must recognise that scrutiny will be heightened – not as an excuse, but as a call to excellence. 

Therefore, each decision, policy and governance approach will contribute to dismantling stereotypes. 

Consistency, transparency and capability will redefine perceptions over time.

Responsibility of now

Leadership is never just about holding a title. It is about impact, governance and reshaping norms. 

Women – leaders or aspiring leaders – must embrace competence over complacency, excellence over entitlement and vision over validation. 

The moment is here. 

How it unfolds will be determined by the choices we make on a daily basis.  

“I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand” – Maya Angelou

-Hilda Basson Namundjebo is a business leader, public speaker and seasoned broadcast journalist.