Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially become Namibia’s first female president during a ceremony coinciding with the nation’s 35th independence anniversary. Following her electoral victory with 58% of the votes, she emphasizes job creation and unity in her inaugural address, prioritizing the need to address high youth unemployment in the country.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president, following her electoral victory that maintained the SWAPO party’s long-standing leadership. The swearing-in took place during a ceremony coinciding with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary, with significant African leaders in attendance, such as those from Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania.
During the ceremony, outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, officially transferred power to Nandi-Ndaitwah. Initially planned for Independence Stadium, the event was moved to State House due to unusually heavy rains, marking a historic moment as she received enthusiastic applause upon taking the oath.
In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted her election’s significance, stating that Namibians voted for her based on competence and merit. She acknowledged the progress made since independence in 1990 yet recognized the substantial work still needed. Previously, she served as vice president for a year and is a key figure in the SWAPO party.
Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 58% of the vote in the recent elections, which faced multiple delays. The IPC opposition provided stiff competition yet garnered only 25.5% of votes, indicating ongoing support for SWAPO despite challenges. A significant concern for voters was the high unemployment rate, particularly among young people, which is around 44%.
Tackling unemployment is a priority for Nandi-Ndaitwah, who aims to create at least 500,000 jobs within the next five years, requiring an estimated investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion). She emphasized agriculture, fishing, and creative industries as vital sectors for job creation.
Additionally, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity among Namibians, advocating for collaboration post-elections to ensure national progress despite the political divisiveness experienced during the voting process.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president marks a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. Her priorities include addressing youth unemployment and fostering national unity. With a focus on job creation and economic investment, she is committed to addressing the pressing issues facing Namibia while building on the progress made since independence.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
