Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is on her way to State House to make history as Namibia’s first female president. 

She is a mobile library of the institutional knowledge of Swapo and the government. She is leader at heart, and an ideal candidate for the 2024 election. 

She has cut her teeth in the political space for over four decades now, and has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her country and its people. 

Born on 29 October 1952 in Onamutai, northern Namibia, she joined Swapo’s diplomatic efforts at a tender age in 1974. 

She later became the party’s deputy representative in Zambia. 

She was at the battle-front, and showed unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle. 

She was very active in the women’s empowerment desk, where she remained ‘thought leadership’, shaping Namibia’s sustainable development programme – for which she has won awards. 

With her versatile range of experience, Namibia has much to expect from her leadership. 

As a seasoned diplomat, she has served as minister of International Relations and Cooperation since 2012, adeptly navigating the complexities of global relations. 

Her commitment to environmental stewardship was evident during her tenure as minister of Environment and Tourism from 2010 to 2012, where she championed conservation efforts and sustainable tourism. 

Additionally, her dedication to gender equity and women’s empowerment is exemplified by her role as director general of Women Affairs from 1996 to 2000, where she tirelessly advocated for gender equality and social welfare. 

Namibia has a unique window of opportunity through her leadership to enhance international cooperation and address the historical abuses inflicted by Germany and South Africa, helping to heal old wounds. 

Her extensive diplomatic experience positions her to foster stronger relationships within the region and across the global community. 

She brings a clear agenda focused on economic growth, prioritising sustainable development and environmental conservation to fuel progress. 

A critical aspect of her approach will be dismantling colonial-era barriers, promoting the free movement of goods – such as beef, fruits and vegetables – between the northern and southern regions, breaking the legacy left by colonial capitalism. 

Research suggests that female leaders are often associated with huge gains in areas of healthcare, education and social welfare. 

These are foundations of a healthy society. 

A mother, Her Excellency Nandi-Ndaitwah, is empathetic and nurturing. 

Like a hen, she will keep her chicks under her wings. 

Namibia has crossed the line, and farmers of thought celebrate a mother president to an increased representation and gender equity. 

She joins the list showcasing Africa’s progressive policies and confidence in women leadership ahead of America and other first world countries. 

Sylvie Kinigi served as the first female acting president of Burundi from February to October 1993, making her the first female president in Africa. 

Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri served as acting president of South Africa for a brief period in 2005 and for 14 hours in 2008. 

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became Africa’s first elected female president, leading Liberia from 2006 to 2018. 

Rose Francine Rogombé served as interim president of Gabon from June to October 2009. 

Agnes Monique Ohsan Bellepeau was acting president of Mauritius from March to July 2012, and from May to June 2015. 

Joyce Hilda Banda served as president of Malawi from 2012 to 2014. 

Catherine Samba-Panza was acting president of the Central African Republic from 2014 to 2016. 

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim served as president of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018. 

Sahle-Work Zewde has served as president of Ethiopia since October 2018. 

Samia Suluhu Hassan has been president of Tanzania since April 2021. 

Farmers of thought congratulate Namibia in advance to show confidence in entrusting the nation to a mother. 

This encourages the girl child to dream and pave a way for future generations of female leaders in Africa. 

I am the watcher from the future, living with you in the present, with solutions from the past. 

*Maponga jiii Marara Chigaramboko ChangaMbire Svosve DzImbabgwe Afrika.