With final preparations underway ahead of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona), the question on many people’s lips is whether Namibia’s new chapter will be met with fresh urgency, or familiar reassurances.
The Sona is a constitutional act that reinforces the essence of democracy as a government by the people for the people.
Nandi-Ndaitwah will take centre-stage today in the National Assembly to address the nation for the first time since she was sworn in as the 5th president of the republic on 21 March. Various commentators have outlined what they hope she will prioritise, ranging from tackling unemployment and land reform to strengthening governance and accelerating economic recovery.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said this Sona presents a crucial opportunity for Nandi-Ndaitwah to outline her vision and policy direction, particularly given that she was only recently sworn in.
It is important for her to tell the nation where she intends to take Namibia in terms of policy issues, her Cabinet, and the people she will surround herself with to carry out her mandate, he added.
The analyst said public expectations are high, especially on issues the President raised during her election campaign, such as zero tolerance for corruption.
“People will want to hear her stance again, re-emphasising the issue of corruption, particularly given that one of her ministers is being investigated for serious allegations,” he observed.
Beyond corruption, Kamwanyah said citizens are eager to hear concrete plans around job-creation, housing and the future of the green hydrogen, oil and gas sectors, especially after Nandi-Ndaitwah placed the oil and gas portfolio under her office’s direct supervision.
“There is a fear among some that she may want to control it for her own benefit, so it is important for her to assure the nation that she is the right captain to steer Namibia forward,” he continued.
While Kamwanyah acknowledged that the priorities outlined so far — youth empowerment, job-creation and fighting corruption — echo themes from previous administrations, he said the nation remains hopeful.
“Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt, and see what she focuses on in her speech,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dorthea Nangolo, president of the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), expressed optimism about the new administration’s commitment to young people.
“I am very confident that youth matters are being prioritised by the new administration because it is something that President Nandi-Ndaitwah has consistently highlighted in her speeches. What is clearly evident in her agenda is the creative industry and the sports sector, especially the building of stadiums,” she said.
Nangolo added that the involvement of youth in policy-making processes under the new administration is not merely symbolic, but a genuine effort to recognise the value and importance of young people in shaping Namibia’s future.
Looking ahead to the Sona, she expects the President to clearly position herself on the emerging green hydrogen sector, and articulate how Namibia stands to benefit from the opportunities it presents.
She added that the Swapo Party manifesto is explicit in its commitments, particularly the pledge to create 250 000 jobs as a direct response to the country’s pressing unemployment challenges.
Political commentator Ndemuweda Emmanuel said today’s Sona presents a critical opportunity for the President to distinguish her leadership style from that of her predecessors.
“Namibians are yearning for a leader who not only acknowledges the country’s deep-seated challenges, but also offers concrete, actionable solutions,” he added.
Emmanuel emphasised that beyond rhetoric, citizens want clarity on how the administration will rebuild public trust, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and meaningfully tackle the inequality which persists across regions.
“The president’s ability to inspire hope, backed by practical policy proposals, will set the tone for the rest of her term,” he observed.
– ashikololo@nepc.com.na