Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is Namibia’s first female president, inaugurated on Friday after winning the election with 57% of the vote. She succeeds Nangolo Mbumba and aims to implement a program focused on economic growth and food security. Nandi-Ndaitwah plans to amend laws to support her administration’s goals and emphasizes effective governance.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to become Namibia’s first female head of state, set to be inaugurated as the nation’s fifth president. Previously the first female president of Swapo, she won the presidential election with 57% of the votes, a decision ratified by the Supreme Court. Her main opponent, Panduleni Itula, garnered 26% of the vote.
Nandi-Ndaitwah succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who served for 13 months after completing Hage Geingob’s term following his death in February 2024. As a former vice president, she is well-prepared to assume her new responsibilities, stating she is ready to serve the people of Namibia as directed by Swapo.
She was appointed as vice president at a party congress in November 2022, which positioned her as the presidential candidate for the 2024 elections. In addition to this groundbreaking achievement, she recently became the first female leader of the Swapo party in its 65-year history.
The Swapo manifesto outlines her administration’s priorities, which include economic growth, agricultural improvements, youth empowerment, housing development, and infrastructure projects. Nandi-Ndaitwah aims to amend necessary laws to support the party’s implementation plan early in her presidency.
After the swearing-in of 96 National Assembly members by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, she confirmed that the drafting of the Land Bill is complete and ready for presentation in the Assembly. Food security remains one of her top priorities, signaling plans to utilize 130,000 hectares of land for productive purposes.
Prior to her inauguration, Nandi-Ndaitwah inspected various government projects, including green schemes and resettlement farms, emphasizing the underutilization of some government-acquired lands. Her cabinet selections aim to ensure effective service delivery as she acknowledges the need for balance between government, executive action, and legislative duties in her administration.
Her commitment to creating effective governance structures reflects her goal to maximize resources for the nation’s 3.1 million citizens.
In summary, President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to make history as Namibia’s first female president, winning the election with a significant majority. She emphasizes readiness to lead, informed by her previous roles within Swapo, and plans to address critical issues such as economic development and food security. Under her leadership, the focus will remain on efficient governance, with a commitment to effectively utilizing resources for the benefit of all citizens.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
