Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been inaugurated as Namibia’s first woman president, reflecting her extensive political career within SWAPO. At 72 years old, she leads a predominantly young nation, upholding conservative views while building upon her legacy of public service. Her educational background and years spent in exile have shaped her leadership approach in this mineral-rich country.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on Friday, marking a historic milestone for the nation, which gained independence 35 years ago. As the leader of a nation abundant in minerals and home to approximately three million residents, she is poised to guide a stable government in southern Africa.
Popularly known as NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a veteran member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which has governed Namibia since its independence from South Africa in 1990. Her longstanding loyalty to the party played a crucial role in her securing 58 percent of votes during the November 2024 elections, reflecting SWAPO’s continued dominance in Namibian politics.
Entering the national assembly in 1990, she served as the cabinet minister for women’s affairs and children in 2000. Her extensive political career includes roles as minister of information, environment and tourism, foreign affairs, and deputy prime minister. Significantly, in February 2024, she became Namibia’s first female vice president, further establishing her trailblazing position.
At 72 years old, having been born in October 1952, she assumes the presidency while leading a youthful nation, with over 70 percent of its population under the age of 34, per the latest census. Nandi-Ndaitwah succeeds 83-year-old Nangolo Mbumba, who had taken office in February 2024, following the death of former President Hage Geingob.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, raised as the daughter of an Anglican pastor, holds conservative views, particularly concerning topics such as abortion, which is primarily prohibited in Namibia. Additionally, her party opposed the legalization of gay marriage in 2023, reflecting her traditional values.
Before her political career, NNN spent 15 years in exile beginning at the age of 21 in 1974, living in Zambia and Tanzania, and later in Russia, where she joined the Komsomol, a youth organization from the Soviet era. Her academic qualifications include a post-graduate diploma in public administration from Glasgow College of Technology obtained in 1987, along with a master’s degree in diplomatic studies from Keele University in 1989.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first woman president marks a significant evolution in the country’s political landscape. With a robust political background and various ministerial roles, she is set to navigate leadership in a nation characterized by a youthful population and conservative values. Her extensive experience and commitment to SWAPO’s principles underscore her capabilities as she embarks on this new chapter in Namibian history.
Original Source: www.enca.com
