Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president. She is a long-time member of SWAPO and previously served as vice president. At 72, she leads a country with a young population while holding conservative views on social issues. Her historical background includes political exile and support for North Korea.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to become Namibia’s first woman president on Friday, positioning her as one of the few female leaders in Africa. A member of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), she won the November 2024 elections with 58% of the votes. Nandi-Ndaitwah has been involved with SWAPO since her teens, contributing to the liberation struggle and holding various senior roles within the party.
Her government career began in 1990 when she entered the national assembly, and she was appointed to her first ministerial position in 2000, overseeing the women’s and children ministry. Throughout her career, she has also been the minister of information, minister of environment and tourism, and minister of foreign affairs. Notably, she became the first female vice president of Namibia in February 2024.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah will embark on her term leading a nation where over 70% of the population is under 34, as reported in the 2023 census. She succeeds 83-year-old Nangolo Mbumba, who assumed power in February 2024 after the death of Hage Geingob.
Raised by an Anglican pastor, Nandi-Ndaitwah holds conservative views on social issues, including abortion, which is largely illegal in Namibia. Her party opposed the legalization of gay marriage in 2023, reflecting the traditional values prevalent in the country.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s past includes political exile in the 1970s, initially in Zambia and later in Russia, where she was involved with the Komsomol, a communist youth organization. She has shown support for North Korea, which has developed several projects in Namibia’s capital.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female president marks a significant milestone for female leadership in Africa. With a long history in politics and a conservative background, her leadership will navigate a youthful demographic in Namibia while representing traditional values. Her previous governmental experiences and unique historical context are set to influence her term as president.
Original Source: www.enca.com
