Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to become Namibia’s first female president. A longstanding member of SWAPO, she has a diverse governmental background and holds conservative views on social issues. At 72, she leads a youthful population and has a history of exile during the struggle for independence.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president, marking her as one of the few women leaders in Africa. Here are five essential aspects of her leadership:
1. Ruling Party Stalwart – Nandi-Ndaitwah, commonly known as NNN, has been a dedicated member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) since her teenage years. SWAPO has maintained control in Namibia since independence in 1990, with Nandi-Ndaitwah receiving 58 percent of votes as the party’s presidential candidate in the November 2024 elections.
2. Long Government Career – She began her political career by joining the National Assembly in 1990 and was appointed as a cabinet minister in 2000, leading the Ministry of Women and Children. Nandi-Ndaitwah has also held other ministerial roles, including those overseeing information, environment and tourism, and foreign affairs. In February 2024, she made history by becoming the first female vice president of Namibia.
3. 72 Years Old – Nandi-Ndaitwah was born in October 1952, making her 72 years of age at the time of her inauguration. She will assume leadership in a country where over 70 percent of the population is under 34 years old, based on the 2023 census. She follows Nangolo Mbumba, who held office until his recent passing at the age of 83.
4. Conservative Views – Raised as the daughter of an Anglican pastor, Nandi-Ndaitwah holds conservative positions on several issues, including her opposition to abortion, which is primarily banned in Namibia. Additionally, her party opposed the legalization of gay marriage in 2023.
5. Exile in Russia – In the 1970s, Nandi-Ndaitwah went into exile, first to Zambia and then to Russia, where she actively participated in the Komsomol, a youth organization associated with the Soviet Union. She has voiced support for North Korea, noting its contributions to infrastructure in Namibia’s capital.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to become an influential figure as Namibia’s first female president. With her extensive political background, including a significant tenure in various ministerial roles, she leads a nation characterized by a youthful demographic. However, her conservative stances and historical ties to communist ideology may shape her governance in significant ways. Her inauguration is anticipated to usher in a new era for Namibia.
Original Source: www.enca.com
