Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been inaugurated as Namibia’s first woman president. A veteran of the ruling SWAPO party, she previously served in multiple ministerial roles and became the first female Vice President in February 2024. At 72 years old, she inherits a nation with a youthful populace while holding conservative views on social issues. Her past includes 15 years in exile and advanced studies in the UK and Russia.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has recently made history by being sworn in as Namibia’s first woman president, marking a significant milestone for the country. Namibia, which gained independence 35 years ago, is a stable, mineral-rich nation with approximately three million residents in southern Africa. Her election victory in the November 2024 polls showcases the unwavering support from the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which has dominated governance since independence in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s political journey spans over three decades, commencing with her entry into the National Assembly in 1990. She ascended to her first cabinet position in 2000, leading the Ministry of Women and Children. Throughout her career, she has occupied various ministerial roles, including Minister of Information, Environment and Tourism, and Foreign Affairs, before being appointed as the country’s first female Vice President in February 2024.
At 72 years old, born in October 1952, Nandi-Ndaitwah assumes her presidential role amidst a youthful population, with over 70% of Namibians aged under 34 according to the 2023 census. She succeeds 83-year-old Nangolo Mbumba, who briefly held office following the passing of Hage Geingob, the previous president.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, raised in a conservative household as the child of an Anglican pastor, holds traditional views on social issues such as abortion, which remains largely illegal in Namibia. Notably, her party opposed gay marriage legislation in 2023, reflecting the dominant conservative stance in the nation.
Her experiences include 15 years spent in exile from 1974, during which she lived in various countries including Zambia, Tanzania, and Russia. While in Russia, she engaged with the Komsomol, a youth organization from the Soviet era. In addition, she pursued higher education, earning a post-graduate diploma in public administration from the Glasgow College of Technology in 1987 and a master’s degree in diplomatic studies from Keele University, England, in 1989.
In summary, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stands as a significant figure in Namibia’s political landscape as the first woman president of the nation. With a long-standing affiliation to the SWAPO party, an extensive career in government, and a conservative viewpoint on social issues, she embodies a blend of traditional values and progressive milestones. Her leadership arrives at a crucial time with a predominantly youthful demographic in the country, shaping the future trajectory of Namibia.
Original Source: www.enca.com
