Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected president of Namibia, becoming the first woman in this role. A member of the SWAPO party and a seasoned politician, she has held various high-ranking government positions, advocating for women’s rights and independence. Her triple resounding electoral success despite challenges sets a promising future for Namibia.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, born on October 29, 1952, in Onamutai, South West Africa (now Namibia), is a prominent politician who has recently won Namibia’s presidential election scheduled for November 2024. Upon inauguration, she will be the first female president of the nation. A longstanding member of the SWAPO party, she has previously held significant roles, including deputy prime minister and vice president, advocating for Namibia’s independence from South Africa while enduring over a decade of exile due to her political activities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah grew up in a large family under apartheid rule. She began her political journey at the tender age of 14, joining the SWAPO in 1966 and later leading the organization’s Youth League. Her commitment to fighting against apartheid led to her imprisonment in 1973 and subsequent exile in 1974, where she remained involved with SWAPO and held various representations across Africa. During this period, she also pursued higher education, earning degrees in public administration and international relations.
In independent Namibia, following its liberation in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah served continuously in the National Assembly and various ministerial roles including foreign affairs and child welfare. As deputy prime minister from 2015 until her recent resignation in 2024, her advocacy for women’s rights resulted in significant legislative contributions, notably the Combating of Domestic Violence Act.
In March 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah was confirmed as the SWAPO presidential candidate for the general elections following her reelection as vice president. Despite facing challenges within the party and technical issues during the election process, she achieved a decisive victory, receiving over 57 percent of the votes, significantly surpassing her nearest rival. The National Assembly elections saw SWAPO retain its authority although with a reduced number of seats, while opposition parties contested the results, a challenge that was later dismissed by the Supreme Court. Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to be sworn in on March 21, 2025.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president marks a historic milestone for the nation. Her long-standing commitment to the SWAPO party and advocacy for women’s rights has shaped national policy and governance in Namibia. Despite challenges faced during the recent elections, her decisive victory ensures continued SWAPO leadership in the country, poised to address key issues including gender equality and national development.
Original Source: www.britannica.com
