First Gentleman, Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa’s quest to serve and her distinct ability to inspire others started at a tender young age. 

Ndaitwah, in an exclusive interview with New Era yesterday ahead of his wife’s birthday today, said Nandi- Ndaitwah had given up a lot to serve the Namibian nation while she was as young as 21 years old. 

“My wife didn’t start yesterday. She started serving this nation as a young girl. At 21, she was already imprisoned for political reasons and later led the first group of Namibians through Angola to Zambia during the liberation struggle,” he said. 

He recalled how her leadership earned her early recognition, including from Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Nyerere, who fondly called her “Mama wa Swapo” a title of respect for her commitment to Namibia’s freedom. 

Ndaitwah urged his wife to continue serving the nation with humility and gratitude as she celebrates her 73rd birthday, her first since becoming the country’s first female Head of State. 

Ndaitwah described the moment as “a rare and historic occasion” in their 42 years of marriage. 

“It’s the first time in our life history that we will  celebrate her birthday while she is President of the Republic of Namibia. This is happening while I, our children, and most members of the broader family are all alive to witness it,” he said. 

He said the day carries deep meaning for the family and the country, reflecting a life of service that began long before independence. 

“She must celebrate and look back at those who gave her this rare opportunity and continue to serve them,” he said. 

He emphasised that her new role should be seen as a trust from the people, not a family achievement. 

“It must not end with the family,” he said. “It must go to the nation to say thank you, Namibia, for this rare opportunity. The best way to show gratitude is to serve the people.” 

Reflecting on their journey from youthful love to national leadership, the First Gentleman said the experience has been humbling. 

“We started as a boy and a girl,” he said. “We got married, and now we celebrate her as President of our country. God is truly great.” 

Although the country marks the President’s first birthday in State House, Ndaitwah said the family will celebrate quietly but proudly knowing that this year’s occasion will be remembered as one of the most unique in their lives and in the nation’s history. 

“My message to her is that she must understand the responsibility given to her by the Namibian people. It is not something to celebrate and forget,” he noted. 

*New Era reflects on the President’s journey as she marks her birthday in a special supplement in today’s edition.