Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of independence. A veteran of the SWAPO party, she emphasizes governance, social progress, and regional cooperation while advocating for various international rights and climate action. Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to a retired general, known as the ‘first gentleman.’
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. Her election victory came in November, establishing her as one of the few female leaders in Africa, a demographic that includes notable figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Joyce Banda. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s swearing-in ceremony coincided with the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence but was moved indoors due to inclement weather, which affected expected large crowds.
In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized her commitment to upholding Namibia’s constitution, pledging to preserve the achievements of independence and advance economic and social progress for all citizens. She replaces Nangolo Mbumba, who had been acting president since February 2024 after the death of Hage Geingob. Nandi-Ndaitwah, now the fifth president of Namibia, brings a wealth of experience from her long-standing involvement with the South West Africa People’s Organization, or SWAPO.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s early life as one of thirteen children of an Anglican priest nurtured her strong connection to education, which included teaching at her former mission school. Having joined SWAPO in her youth, she spent much of the 1970s and 1980s in exile and returned to Namibia after independence in 1990, serving as a lawmaker and foreign minister prior to her vice presidency.
She has committed to promoting ethical governance and regional cooperation while advocating for international issues such as the rights of Palestinians and the lifting of sanctions against countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, she reiterated Namibia’s role in addressing climate change, particularly essential for its arid environment.
Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to a retired general known as the “first gentleman.” Her inauguration coincided with the election of Namibia’s first female parliamentary speaker, further illustrating the advancement of women’s leadership in the nation.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female president marks a historic moment for the country and highlights the rising role of women in leadership positions in Africa. Her extensive experience within SWAPO and commitment to governance, social progress, and regional cooperation set a promising agenda for her presidency. Additionally, her advocacy on global issues and climate change reflects an awareness of both national and international contexts, making her tenure one to watch closely.
Original Source: apnews.com
