Namibia Elects Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah As First Female President

In a historic moment for African politics, Namibia has elected its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The 72-year-old veteran politician, affectionately known as NNN, secured a decisive victory with 57.31% of the vote, defying expectations and cementing her place in history. 

This landmark election makes Namibia only the second African nation currently led by a woman president, joining Tanzania under the leadership of Samia Suluhu Hassan.

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A Young Activist’s Fire

Born in 1952 in the northern village of Onamutai, NNN was the ninth of thirteen siblings in a family headed by an Anglican priest. At just 14 years old, she joined SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization), then a liberation movement fighting against South African apartheid rule. Talk about starting young!

Her political activism came at a price. As a high school student, NNN was arrested during a government crackdown on SWAPO supporters. But instead of extinguishing her passion, this experience only fueled her determination. In 1974, she left Namibia to join fellow SWAPO members in exile, embarking on a journey that would shape her future as a leader.

A Time of Growth and Learning

NNN’s time in exile was far from idle. She hit the ground running in Zambia, working at SWAPO headquarters in Lusaka from 1974 to 1975. Her dedication quickly caught attention, leading to her appointment as SWAPO’s deputy representative in Zambia from 1976 to 1978, and then as chief representative from 1978 to 1980.

But Nandi-Ndaitwah wasn’t content with just political work. She pursued education with the same vigor she applied to her activism. Her academic journey took her from the Soviet Union, where she earned a diploma from the Lenin Higher Komsomol School, to Tanzania, where she served as SWAPO’s chief representative in East Africa.

Hungry for more knowledge, Nandi-Ndaitwah set her sights on the UK. There, she racked up impressive credentials: a post-graduate diploma in public administration and management from Glasgow College of Technology in 1987, followed by a post-graduate diploma in international relations and a master’s degree in diplomatic studies from Keele University in 1988 and 1989, respectively.

A Career Defined by Service

Upon returning to Namibia after independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah embarked on a political career spanning over three decades. She has held numerous high-profile positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister. Known for her hands-on approach, she often describes herself as an “implementer” rather than merely a politician.

Throughout her career, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights. She played a crucial role in passing the Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002 and has consistently pushed for gender equality in Namibia’s traditionally male-dominated political sphere.

The Road Ahead

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise through the ranks of Namibian politics has been steady and impressive. From a young activist, she became SWAPO’s first female vice-president in 2017, was appointed as Namibia’s vice-president in February 2024 and now she is Namibia’s first female president elect.

Her journey is one with powerful reminders that with perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to one’s principles, it’s possible to break barriers and create lasting change.

As Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares to take office, she faces significant challenges. Namibia grapples with high levels of unemployment and inequality, issues that have led to growing frustration among the country’s youth. In her victory speech, she affirmed her commitment to addressing these pressing issues, declaring, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability”.

With her pragmatic leadership style and focus on what she calls the PIAMI principles (Pragmatism, Integrity, Accountability, Meritocracy, and Inclusivity), NNN is ready to write the next chapter in Namibia’s history.

owever, her victory has not been without controversy. Opposition parties have rejected the results, citing technical problems and logistical issues that plagued the election. The main opposition candidate, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), has pledged to challenge the results in court.

A Broader Perspective

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election comes at a time of significant political shifts across southern Africa. In neighboring countries, long-ruling parties have faced setbacks as younger generations, focused on issues of unemployment and economic growth, exercise their voting power. Namibia’s election, however, has bucked this trend, with SWAPO maintaining its hold on power, albeit with a reduced majority in parliament.

As Namibia prepares for this new chapter in its history, all eyes will be on Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her presidency not only represents a milestone for gender representation in African politics but also carries the hopes and expectations of a nation ready for change. Whether she can navigate the challenges ahead and deliver on her promises remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Namibia has taken a significant step forward in its democratic journey.

As Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares to take office on March 21, 2025, she carries with her the hopes of a nation and the weight of history.

Her presidency not only represents a milestone for gender representation in African politics but also carries the hopes and expectations of a nation ready for change. Whether she can navigate the challenges ahead and deliver on her promises remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Namibia has taken a significant step forward in its democratic journey.