From a young activist fighting for her country’s liberation to securing 57% of the votes in the 2024 election, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, at 72 years old, has made history as Namibia’s first female president.
Her win represents the ruling party, SWAPO, and continues a legacy of leadership that began when the party led Namibia to independence in 1990.
Say Her Name
Her Excellency, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in the 1960s as Namibia’s fight for independence gained momentum.
After Namibia gained independence in 1990, she became a central figure in the country’s government, serving in various influential roles.
As foreign minister, she fought for Namibia’s interests, forging partnerships and building bridges where possible. She was elected the first female vice president of the SWAPO in 2017 and served as the third Vice President of the country from February 2024.
With 57% of the votes, Nandi-Ndaitwah exceeded the required 50% threshold, securing her place as Namibia’s first female president. Her main challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), trailed far behind with just 26% of the votes, showing how much the Namibian people trust in her leadership.
Voters also selected members for the National Assembly, where SWAPO reaffirmed its dominance by claiming 51 of the 96 elected seats. At the same time, the IPC secured 20 seats.
The winning party, SWAPO, has been part of the country’s identity since independence in 1990. For older Namibians and rural communities, the winning party reminds them of the sacrifices they made to break free from apartheid rule.
What this win means for Namibia’s future
In her first address as president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a message that resonated deeply with Namibians.
“Today, I say to the Namibia people, just as we have been telling you during the campaign, for us in the SWAPO party and the team that are going to lead we remain committed. We are going to do what we promised you. Thank you for your trust and confidence in us. The nation has chosen peace and stability.” – She said.
These words reassured a country that has weathered colonialism and economic hardship. While she hasn’t yet outlined the specifics of her agenda, her decades of experience suggest a leader who knows the importance of blending pragmatism with vision.
Can she reignite faith in SWAPO’s ability to lead a modern Namibia? Will she prioritise job creation, education, and economic reforms to help vulnerable communities? For now, Namibians are watching and waiting.
However, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president is a good sign of progress in the fight for gender equality in leadership across Africa.
