Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba praised Namibian women for electing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first woman president. He acknowledged the gender parity in parliament, attributing it to the zebra style approach. Mbumba reflected on his tenure and the loss of President Hage Geingob, emphasizing the importance of empowering women. The inauguration marks a significant milestone for Namibia.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba has commended Namibian women for achieving significant political milestones with the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who became the first woman president in Namibia’s 35 years of independence. Her inauguration will take place on Friday, marking a significant advancement as she is the first elected female president in Southern Africa and the second on the continent, following Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.
During his farewell address to heads of state, former officials, and diplomats at State House, President Mbumba expressed satisfaction with the near-50/50 representation of genders in the Namibian parliament. This achievement is attributed to the zebra style approach, a strategy adopted by political parties to enhance gender equity in political roles as part of Southern African Development Community policies.
Mbumba stated, “Friday 21 March will symbolize the pinnacle of our nation’s efforts to ensure that Namibian women are empowered.” He emphasized that Namibian women will continue to break barriers by ascending to the highest levels of state power, highlighting the importance of this milestone.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mbumba shared his gratitude for serving under President Hage Geingob, whom he regarded as both a friend and a mentor. “I always thought we would leave State House together as president and vice president and go into our retirement,” he revealed. He expressed deep sorrow over Geingob’s passing in February of the previous year.
Mbumba acknowledged the support he received from the Namibian populace following Geingob’s death. He noted that while his time in office was marked by challenges, it was also rewarding, as he successfully completed Geingob’s term, leaving State House with mixed emotions.
In conclusion, President Nangolo Mbumba’s farewell speech celebrated the significant strides Namibian women have made in politics, particularly with the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president. Mbumba reflected on his gratitude for the support received during his tenure and the loss of President Geingob, emphasizing the importance of gender parity in governance. His parting words underscore a hopeful future for gender equality in Namibia’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
