Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be sworn in as Namibia’s first female President on March 21, 2025. She won the election as a SWAPO candidate, securing 58% of the vote amid rising youth unemployment concerns. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasizes job creation and unity in her agenda, while also navigating her conservative social beliefs and Namibia’s rich natural resources.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to be sworn in as Namibia’s first female President on March 21, 2025, following her election victory last year. Her election extends the South West Africa People’s Organisation’s (SWAPO) 35-year reign. At 72 years old, she will join a select group of female leaders in Southern Africa during an inauguration ceremony attended by regional heads of state.
Before her presidency, Nandi-Ndaitwah served as Vice President and has been a key figure in SWAPO since the country gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. In her recent election, she garnered 58% of the votes, despite challenges in the electoral process. The youth-led opposition party Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) received 25.5% of the votes, reflecting an ongoing allegiance to SWAPO among voters.
A significant concern in the elections was the high rate of youth unemployment, with 44% of adults aged 18 to 34 jobless as of 2023. Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged that creating 500,000 jobs within five years will be a priority, necessitating an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion).
She emphasized the importance of unity following electoral tensions and the IPC’s unsuccessful efforts to contest the election results. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged breaking barriers by becoming Namibia’s first female leader, stating, “Of course it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls.”
As a member of SWAPO since her youth, Nandi-Ndaitwah has maintained a conservative stance on social issues. She has been vocal against abortion and supports legislation that prohibits same-sex marriage. Her career includes time as Foreign Minister, where she highlighted Namibia’s relations with various countries.
Namibia is known for being a leading producer of uranium, contributing significantly to global nuclear power industries, while also possessing substantial natural resources including diamonds and potential in solar and wind energy. However, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of renewable energy projects, which Nandi-Ndaitwah has voiced skepticism about.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration marks a historic moment for Namibia as the nation’s first woman President. With significant electoral support and a focus on job creation, she aims to address pressing issues such as youth unemployment while fostering national unity. As a prominent member of SWAPO, her leadership will be pivotal in navigating the nation’s resource-rich landscape and addressing societal challenges.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
