Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, born in 1952 in Namibia, is the president-elect who will become the first woman to hold this office after the November 2024 elections. A prominent member of the SWAPO Party, she has held various crucial government roles, campaigned for women’s rights, and participated actively in Namibia’s liberation from apartheid. Despite facing electoral challenges, she won over 57% of the vote and will be inaugurated on March 21, 2025.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, born on October 29, 1952, in Onamutai, South West Africa (now Namibia), is a prominent politician from the SWAPO Party of Namibia. She has made history by winning the presidential election held in November 2024 and is set to become Namibia’s first female president upon her inauguration on March 21, 2025. With extensive experience, she has held several key government positions, including vice president and deputy prime minister, contributing significantly to the nation’s governance after independence from South Africa.
Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SWAPO as a teenager in 1966 and rose through the ranks during a critical time of political turmoil and apartheid in Namibia. Her activism against the apartheid regime led to her arrest and eventual exile in 1974, where she remained involved with SWAPO. She held various roles, including chief representative for Africa in several regions and continued her education overseas, earning degrees in international relations and management.
Upon Namibia’s independence in March 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned home and became an active member of the National Assembly. Over the years, she has held numerous ministerial posts, such as deputy minister of foreign affairs and minister of international relations. Always an advocate for women’s rights, Nandi-Ndaitwah played a crucial role in the introduction of significant laws promoting gender equality and has represented Namibia in international forums focusing on women’s issues.
In 2022, Nandi-Ndaitwah was re-elected as SWAPO’s vice president, which, alongside President Hage Geingob’s term limit, officially ensured her candidacy for the presidency. Despite facing internal party challenges, her nomination was confirmed ahead of the election following Geingob’s death. During the November 2024 election, she secured over 57 percent of the votes, overcoming significant logistical challenges on election day. Despite opposition disputes regarding election irregularities, the Supreme Court upheld the results, thereby solidifying her victory as Namibia’s first female president.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise in Namibian politics reflects her longstanding commitment to advocacy, governance, and women’s rights. Her impressive career, marked by significant leadership roles in SWAPO and various ministries, culminated in her historic election as the nation’s first female president. Her tenure will likely focus on continuing to address critical issues within Namibia, particularly concerning gender equality and socio-economic development while navigating the challenges of a transitioning political landscape.
Original Source: www.britannica.com
