Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to become Namibia’s first female president after her election win with 57% of the vote, confirmed by the Supreme Court. She emphasizes preparedness and outlines key initiatives focused on economic growth, food security, and legislative reforms as she prepares for her inauguration and leadership role.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, president-elect of Namibia, is poised to become the nation’s first female head of state during her inauguration this Friday. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was elected in November 2024 with 57% of the votes, saw her victory ratified by the Supreme Court, overcoming opposition challenges to the election results. She succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who stepped down after a brief 13-month tenure following the passing of Hage Geingob.
In her previous roles, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been the first woman to serve as vice president and recently became the president of the Swapo party, marking a historic achievement as the first female leader of the 65-year-old movement. Expressing confidence in her readiness to lead, she noted, “I am prepared,” having been prepared for leadership since her ascension to the position of vice president.
The mandate she outlines includes focusing on economic growth, agriculture, water management, youth empowerment, housing, sanitation, and infrastructure development. “My programme is already designed,” she emphasized, highlighting planned legislation including amendments to the Land Act to better facilitate her administration’s objectives.
Additionally, Nandi-Ndaitwah reported progress on the Land Bill, which is ready for tabling. Achieving food security is a key priority, with plans to cultivate 130,000 hectares of land across commercial and communal sectors, noting that even communal areas have underutilized resources.
Prior to her inauguration, she visited various agricultural projects to assess government resettlement farmland, pointing out the importance of addressing underutilization. Nandi-Ndaitwah aims for a cabinet that effectively balances government responsibilities, stating, “As head of state, I have a responsibility to create a balance between the government, the executive and the legislature.”
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female president signals a historic moment for the nation. With a robust plan aimed at addressing pressing issues like economic growth and food security, she demonstrates preparedness to lead. Her emphasis on legislative reforms and efficient governance highlights her commitment to effective service delivery and positive change for the citizens of Namibia.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
