WINDHOEK, Namibia — In a historic milestone for Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president on Friday, stepping into the highest office nearly 60 years after her courageous involvement in the liberation struggle against apartheid South Africa.
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah is not just a pioneer for women in leadership in Namibia but also joins a select group of powerful African female leaders like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
The swearing-in ceremony was a spectacle of solidarity, with Sirleaf, Banda, and Hassan in attendance, all sharing in the pride of seeing Nandi-Ndaitwah rise to power.
.
Originally set to take place at a large soccer stadium, the ceremony had to be relocated to Namibia’s official presidential office due to a downpour, showing just how unexpected and powerful this moment was for the country. Yet, nothing could dampen the celebration as Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to uphold Namibia’s constitution in front of global leaders from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Angola, and Kenya, all in attendance to witness this monumental event.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has made a remarkable journey from freedom fighter to the country’s leader, succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who temporarily stepped in as president after the sudden passing of President Hage Geingob earlier this year. The moment is particularly poignant, marking not just a new chapter for the country but also a personal triumph for the new president, who had already been serving as vice president since Geingob’s death.
In her inaugural speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized her commitment to preserving Namibia’s hard-earned independence, noting that the task at hand was to push the country’s economic and social progress forward.
“The unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement must be carried forward with Vigor,” she declared, pledging to bring about a balanced prosperity for all Namibians.
Born the ninth of 13 children in a family steeped in faith, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey has been one of resilience and determination.
After joining SWAPO, the party that led Namibia’s fight for independence, she spent years in exile, fighting alongside other freedom fighters in countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, the former Soviet Union, and the UK.
Since Namibia’s independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah has served in various leadership roles, including foreign minister, before her appointment as vice president. Now, she holds the highest office in the land, a powerful symbol of progress for women across the continent.
Beyond her political achievements, Nandi-Ndaitwah also made bold promises in her speech, vowing to fight for ethical governance, promote regional cooperation, and continue Namibia’s commitment to international solidarity.
She has long been a staunch advocate for the rights of Palestinians and Western Sahara, demanding justice and self-determination. Additionally, she pledged to advocate for the lifting of sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, solidifying Namibia’s role as a voice for the oppressed on the global stage.
As the country faces the ongoing challenges of climate change, Nandi-Ndaitwah also reaffirmed Namibia’s dedication to combating environmental threats, particularly in a country where droughts are a regular, devastating occurrence.
With her husband, a retired general who once commanded Namibia’s armed forces, by her side as the “first gentleman,” Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration came just one day after another milestone for women in Namibian politics: the election of the country’s first female speaker of Parliament.
This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Namibia, where women are breaking barriers, leading change, and rewriting the future for generations to come.
