As Namibia moves closer to its November elections, we will soon witness the ushering in of the first female president. 

Consequently, General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, the former chief of the Namibian Defence Force and a veteran of the liberation struggle, will assume the role of first gentleman.

With his wife, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, poised to win the race for the presidency, the country will be watching closely to see how the General, a decorated military commander and diplomat, will shape this historically ceremonial role.

In my view, his focus as the first gentleman should not be limited to the traditional confines of a consort.

 Instead, he should emulate the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip, who drew from his own military experience as a royal navy officer, and valued discipline, duty and hard work. 

Equally, he should leverage his unique military background and leadership experience to make meaningful contributions to youth development and national unity. 

Given the socio-economic challenges facing Namibia’s youth, particularly the high unemployment rate, absent fathers, gender-based violence and lack of strong role models in many communities, he has an opportunity to fill a critical gap in society.

Fostering discipline, responsibility among young men

It is no secret that Namibia, like many countries, faces rising challenges with youth delinquency, unemployment and a general sense of disillusionment among younger generations. 

One of the key areas where he can make an immediate impact is in promoting discipline and responsibility among young men. 

Having spent much of his career instilling these values in soldiers, General Ndaitwah is well-positioned to bring these lessons into civilian life, targeting specifically young men who lack access to strong, positive role models. 

This can involve veterans and community leaders who should work directly with youth to instil values of discipline, accountability and responsibility. 

For many young men, especially those in disadvantaged communities, this could offer the structure and guidance needed to redirect their lives towards productivity and purpose.

Skills training, employment

Youth unemployment in Namibia remains a persistent issue. 

In 2024, the unemployment rate among the youth was reported to be above 46%. 

While various government programmes have attempted to address this, there is a critical need for initiatives that provide education and practical skills that can lead to gainful employment and self-employment.

As a first gentleman, Ndaitwah should be an ambassador for programmes that provide vocational training and entrepreneurial skills for young men, equipping them with the tools to succeed in various sectors – from agriculture to technology. 

His background in military logistics and planning could serve as a model for structured, goal-oriented programmes that focus on building real-world skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

Mentorship, leadership

Ndaitwah’s career is also a testament to the important role of military veterans in shaping a nation. 

Too often, veterans are celebrated for their past contributions but sidelined when it comes to integrating them into broader societal roles. 

As a military leader who made the transition into public service and diplomacy, he should advocate for greater support and opportunities for veterans to contribute to Namibia’s social and economic development. 

By involving veterans in youth mentorship, education and community projects, he could help reframe the narrative around veterans as leaders and mentors – not just former soldiers.

New role, new opportunity

General Ndaitwah’s imminent role as first gentleman offers a unique opportunity for us to rethink what this position can achieve. 

With his background, he is poised to go beyond the traditional expectations of hosting dignitaries and attending ceremonial events. 

Instead, he can champion causes that address the nation’s most pressing challenges – chief among them, the development of its youth and the promotion of discipline, hard work, duty and national unity. 

If he steps into this role with the same dedication he showed in the military, General Ndaitwah could become a driving force for positive change, ensuring that his office is more than just a title. It should be a platform for action.

*Malcolm Kambanzera is a scholar of law with a keen interest in politics and governance. He is a youth leader who has notably served as the president of the students representative council of the University of Namibia and secretary general of the Namibia National Students Organisation.