Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be Namibia’s first female president, inaugurated as a prominent leader in Africa. She is a long-time member of SWAPO, has extensive governmental experience since 1990, and has conservative views. At 72, she leads a young population, succeeding an older president, and her political history includes a period of exile in Russia.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be inaugurated as the first female president of Namibia, making her one of the few female leaders in Africa. Here are five important aspects about her background and political career.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, commonly referred to as NNN, is a longstanding supporter of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), the ruling party since Namibia’s independence in 1990. Her recent electoral victory in November 2024, where she garnered 58 percent of the votes, reflects the party’s commanding presence in Namibian politics. She became involved with SWAPO during her teenage years, actively participating in the struggle for independence and advancing through various senior roles.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has had an extensive career in government. She joined the Namibian National Assembly in 1990 and was appointed as the Cabinet Minister for Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare in 2000. Throughout her career, she has held several important ministerial posts, including Minister of Information, Environment and Tourism, and Foreign Affairs. In February 2024, she made history by becoming Namibia’s first female vice president.
At the age of 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah will begin her presidential term, guiding a predominantly youthful population wherein over 70 percent are under the age of 34, as reported in the 2023 census. She succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who was 83 years old when he assumed the presidency following the death of Hage Geingob, the former president.
Known for her conservative stance on various social issues, Nandi-Ndaitwah, a daughter of an Anglican pastor, maintains opposition views regarding abortion, which is heavily restricted in Namibia. In 2023, her party also voted against the legalization of gay marriage, aligning with its traditional values.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s political journey includes a significant period in exile during the 1970s, initially in Zambia, where she later resided in Russia. During her time in Russia, she became affiliated with the Komsomol, a youth organization of the Soviet Union. Furthermore, she has showcased solidarity with North Korea, which has contributed to the development of infrastructure in Namibia’s capital.
In conclusion, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emerges as a notable female leader in Africa, bringing a wealth of experience from her long-standing political career within SWAPO. At 72, she assumes the presidency of a nation characterized by its youthful demographic. With her conservative views and a history of political exile, Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to navigate the complexities of leadership in Namibia while maintaining the values of her party and addressing contemporary issues.
Original Source: www.enca.com
