At a vibrant ceremony held at State House, African leaders gathered in Windhoek, their faces radiant with joy as they arrived in Namibia to witness the historic inauguration of the country’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The dignitaries included President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, who was the guest of honour; Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa); Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe); and João Lourenço (Angola).

Others were Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Duma Boko (Botswana), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), Brahim Ghali (Sahrawi) and William Ruto (Kenya), and many more. The first African female president to be elected by her people, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, also graced the occasion and reflected on the importance of such an event.

“I am deeply honoured to be in Namibia for this historic moment – the inauguration of the country’s first and Africa’s second elected woman president. Women’s political leadership is not just important, but essential for inclusive and effective governance,” said Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who was president from 2006 to 2018.

Kenya’s Ruto said with Nandi-Ndaitwah’s track record in public service, leadership and liberation struggle, she can take Namibia to greater heights.

He said Kenya looks forward to working closely with Nandi-Ndaitwah and Namibia to further deepen the strong bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the two nations and people.

Zambia’s Hichilema said he appreciated how Namibia conducted peaceful elections, and “our appreciation goes out to former president Nangolo Mbumba for ensuring a seamless transition, despite the recent loss of the founding president,” Hichilema said.

Botswana’s Boko was honoured to witness the inauguration of Nandi-Ndaitwah, saying it is a historic moment for Namibia and the region, marking the beginning of a new chapter of leadership, progress and regional cooperation.

On her part, Suluhu Hassan said in Tanzania, they fondly address Nandi-Ndaitwah as ‘Mama Swapo’, a name given by the nation’s founding father, Julius Nyerere.

She said in Tanzania, they are happy to see the daughter they nurtured and raised with love and compassion has now risen to the highest office of Namibia. “Madam president, your neighbours in Magomeni, Dar es Salaam, are joining all Tanzanians and Namibians in celebrating and wishing you all the best,” she stated.

South Africa’s Ramaphosa said Namibia having the first female president is something worth celebrating.  “This is the recognition of the role women on our continent play, and the more that they are given opportunities, the more they are recognised in terms of their capabilities and leadership. We want women on our continent to rise to the top positions in our various countries,” he said. -psiririka@nepc.com.na