Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as Namibia’s first female president during the country’s 35th Independence Day. With a promising agenda focusing on employment and unity, she marks a significant step for women in leadership in Africa. Nandi-Ndaitwah aims to create 500,000 jobs in five years, prioritizing key sectors, as the country contends with high youth unemployment rates.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially assumed office as Namibia’s inaugural female president, marking a significant milestone for the nation. The swearing-in ceremony took place during the celebration of Namibia’s 35th Independence Day, where She received the presidential mantle from outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba. At age 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah joins the ranks of a limited number of female leaders across Africa, symbolizing progress in gender representation.
The transition of power was marked by a ceremony attended by various heads of state from nations such as Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania. Due to unusual heavy rains, the venue was shifted from the Independence Stadium to State House. During the event, Nandi-Ndaitwah received enthusiastic applause as she took her oath of office, signifying the historic nature of her election. In her inaugural address, she expressed gratitude for her historic position while emphasizing that her election was based on her qualifications and skills.
Having served as vice president for the past year, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a seasoned member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Following her victory in the contested November elections—where she garnered 58% of the votes amidst numerous logistical complications—she aims to address pressing issues facing her country.
Outgoing leader Mbumba commented on the importance of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election, indicating that it represents a substantial step towards breaking barriers for women in leadership roles. In contrast, the youthful opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), despite a vigorous campaign, only managed to secure 25.5% of the presidential votes, suggesting that loyalty towards SWAPO remains robust despite the challenges faced by the party.
Unemployment emerged as a significant concern for young Namibians, with 44% of individuals aged 18 to 34 without jobs in 2023. Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to tackle this issue, targeting the creation of 500,000 jobs over the next five years, necessitating a considerable investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars (approximately $4.67 billion). She identified key sectors for employment growth, including agriculture, fishing, and creative industries.
In light of post-election political discord, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity among Namibians. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in nation-building, stating, “We can make our politics during the campaign and so on but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together.” This rallying cry aims to mend political divisions and foster collective progress for the nation.
In conclusion, the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president represents a landmark achievement for gender equality in leadership roles within Africa. As she embarks on this new journey, Nandi-Ndaitwah is faced with the critical tasks of addressing unemployment and fostering national unity. Her commitment to job creation and collaboration sets a promising agenda for her administration moving forward.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
