For 42 years, Epafras Ndenga Ndaitwah has celebrated his wife’s birthday as a family man, a soldier and a husband. 

But this year’s celebration feels different, he said during an exclusive interview with New Era at State House yesterday. 

For the first time, his wife, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, marks her birthday as Namibia’s first female Head of State, making this year’s 73rd celebration an event unlike any other in the country’s history.

“This is a very rare occasion. It’s the first time in our life history that we celebrate her birthday while she is President of the Republic of Namibia,” the First Gentleman told New Era. 

For Ndaitwah, the day is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. He looks back on the remarkable journey that began decades ago from their youthful love to the nation’s
highest office.

He recalls how his wife’s leadership spirit emerged long before she entered politics.

 At just 21, she led a group of young Namibians through the Angolan jungles into Zambia, paving the way for others who followed the liberation path.

“She was already imprisoned for political reasons before that, and yet she continued to serve,” he said. 

“When she reached Zambia, she was appointed to represent Swapo and later became its chief representative in East Africa,” he said.

It was during her time in Tanzania that President Julius Nyerere affectionately referred to her as ‘Mama wa Swapo’, a title that reflected her leadership and dignity.

“She even had a special seat on Nyerere’s presidential jet,” her husband recalled proudly. “

No one sat there except her,” he added.

For the First Gentleman, these memories are a living testimony of her lifelong dedication to Namibia. That history, he said, makes today’s birthday “deeply meaningful”.

“It’s happening while I’m still alive, while our children and family are here, and while the people of Namibia have trusted her with this responsibility,” he said. Unlike past birthdays, which were simple family gatherings, this one feels historic. 

“We never made a big deal about birthdays,” he said. 

“But this one is different because there is only one President – and she is my wife,” Ndaitwah remarked.

As he spoke, his tone carried both admiration and awe not for power, but for purpose.

“We started as a boy and a girl. We got married, and now she’s President,” he said softly. 

“Life can truly surprise you,” he added.

When asked how he feels about celebrating such a milestone, his answer was humble and faith-filled.

“It came through thick and thin. It came through the elections. It was not given on a silver platter,” he said. 

“So I say, God is great that this happened,” he added.

For the First Gentleman, this unique birthday is more than a family celebration. 

It is a national moment that connects love, history and destiny.

“It must not end with the family,” he emphasised. 

“It must go to the nation. She must celebrate by thanking the people and continuing to serve them faithfully,” he stated.

As cameras clicked after the interview, Ndaitwah smiled, describing the interview as “a positive ambush”.

 He understood the moment’s significance – that this year’s birthday would never be repeated. 

“Next year’s celebration will not be the same,” he said. 

“This one is more unique,” he added.

The emotions during the interview perceived by the first gentleman, who watched his wife mark her first birthday as President, showed pride and gratitude echoed the emotions of a nation proud of its history, hopeful for its future and inspired by the woman now leading it.

Photo: Heather Erdmann