Adolf Kaure
A smooth transition characterised the year 2025 as former president Nangolo Mbumba handed over the reins to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in March.
Democracy was the key theme throughout the year, with the incumbent’s “business unusual” mantra offering Namibians hope for shared prosperity, social inclusion, and political stability.
It is that time of year again to reflect on the highs and lows, transparency, leadership, tenacity, strength, hope, and all that was endured this year.
Fateful February 8
February was another dark month for Namibians. The Father of the Namibian nation and Founding President, Sam Nujoma, passed away at 23:45 on Saturday, 8 February, after a three-week hospitalisation. He was 95 years old.
He was laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre Memorial on 1 March, marking the end of a 21-day mourning period. The son of the soil left behind a legacy of freedom and reconciliation.
Elections
In total, 1 499 449 voters registered for the 2025 Regional Council and Local Authority elections, out of a total of 1 670 813 eligible voters. The special voting day on 24 November provided an opportunity for election and police officials.
With 21 political parties, 23 organisations and associations, and 68 independent candidates verified for the elections, Namibians went to the polls on 26 November in 121 constituencies and 59 local authorities to exercise their right to vote.
Despite challenges such as heavy rainfall and voters showing up at the wrong polling stations, democracy was the real winner.
NNN
History was made when Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was inaugurated as Namibia’s first female President on 21 March 2025, coinciding with the country’s 35th anniversary of independence.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s approach, as outlined in the Swapo Party manifesto, Vision 2030, and the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), focused on job creation in the agriculture, fishing, creative, and sports industries, making her a firm favorite.
In November, Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered one of the strongest statements at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, warning global leaders to reform debt rules for developing countries to close inequality gaps.
During the same month, the appointment of task forces for economic recovery, health, and housing and land also outlined the President’s ambition for a results-based approach.
A month later, Nandi-Ndaitwah was named Africa’s Political Leader of the Year by the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year 2025 Awards. Health minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao was also honored as the African Public Health Champion of the Year by the same magazine.
The President made another bold statement by appointing Lucia Witbooi as Vice President and former prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as Speaker of Parliament, with 53% (10 out of 19) of her Cabinet comprising women – a record first for Namibia. This earned her another recognition, as she was named number 79 (number 3 in Africa) on the 2025 Forbes Top 100 Power Women in December.
Awards.
Despite her motherly nature, which has earned her popularity among many, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s firm stance on accountability was noted after she replaced Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Mac Hengari with Inge Zaamwani. Hengari was accused of paying N$220 200 to a complainant who had registered a rape case against him with the Namibian police.
The President relieved Natangwe Ithete of his duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, and appointed interim minister Frans Kapofi. The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to sound governance, accountability, and the effective implementation of national priorities.
Dr Steenkamp
Sanet Steenkamp earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from Rhodes University in South Africa, an inspiration to those who call on ministers to walk their talk.
Swapo reclaims key regions
Official results indicated that Swapo demonstrated dominance in the Regional Council and Local Authority elections. The party reclaimed the coveted Erongo, Hardap, and //Kharas regions, as well as a greater part of the Zambezi region.
Key local authorities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay also fell back into Swapo’s majority.
Opposition parties’ performances falter
The Landless People Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi was in the news for all the wrong reasons. A CCTV video of his public brawl with former LPM leader and independent candidate Vernon Coleman went viral on social media. The public spectacle proved to be a turning point in the party’s demise in its regional stronghold in the south.
The leaders’ comments about secession attempts in the Hardap and //Kharas regions were unpopular with southerners, especially only a few weeks before the elections. This could have been the final nail in LPM’s grip on the southern regions.
The Independent Patriots for Change also lost traction in its usual strongholds, with the Popular Democratic Movement remaining stagnant.
International front
Namibia’s democratic election process stood in stark contrast to how elections unfolded in other parts of the globe, specifically in Tanzania and Cameroon.
Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi was re-elected as Tanzania’s president after being declared the winner with over 98% of the vote. The elections were marred by post-election violence. Despite Hassan declaring the election free and fair, hundreds of young protesters lost their lives in the aftermath of the election.
In Cameroon, the world’s oldest head of state, Paul Biya (92), was re-elected in the 12 October elections after winning 53% of the votes cast. He has served as Cameroon’s president since 1982 and will serve for another seven-year term.
Presidential rival and member of the opposition party, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, fled to Gambia for safety. This came after he posted a five-minute social media speech prematurely declaring himself the winner and calling on Biya to concede defeat.
The contrast in other African countries’ elections illustrates the privilege Namibians have enjoyed for the last 35 years.