Five Key Insights into Namibia’s First Female President, Netumbo…

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to become Namibia’s first female president, following her election victory as SWAPO’s candidate. With a long government career and conservative views, she will lead a youthful nation. Having experienced exile in Russia, her leadership is informed by her extensive political history and activism.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president, an achievement that places her among the few women leaders in Africa. Here are five key aspects to know about her background and political career as she prepares to lead this stable, mineral-rich nation with a population of approximately three million.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, often referred to as NNN, is a longstanding member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), the ruling party since Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990. Her deep loyalty to the party facilitated her electoral success in the November 2024 polls, where she secured 58 percent of the votes as its presidential candidate.

Her career in government began with her entry into the national assembly in 1990. In 2000, she became the cabinet minister responsible for women’s and children’s issues. Over the years, she has held various ministerial posts including those of information, environment and tourism, and foreign affairs, culminating in her appointment as the first female vice president in February 2024.

At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah will assume the presidency for a five-year term. Her leadership comes at a time when over 70 percent of Namibia’s population is under the age of 34, based on the 2023 census. She will succeed 83-year-old Nangolo Mbumba, who took office in February 2024 following the death of former president Hage Geingob.

Nandi-Ndaitwah holds conservative views on various social issues, including her opposition to abortion, which remains illegal in many instances within Namibia’s predominantly Christian society. Her party also voted against gay marriage in 2023, reflecting her conservative stance.

During the 1970s, she was exiled due to her activism, initially in Zambia and later in Russia, where she engaged with the Komsomol, a youth organization from the Soviet era. Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed support for North Korea, which has contributed to infrastructure projects in Namibia’s capital.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s forthcoming inauguration as Namibia’s first female president marks a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape. With her extensive experience in government and a long-standing allegiance to the SWAPO party, she is poised to navigate the complexities of leading a youthful population while upholding her conservative values. Her unique background, including time spent in exile, further enriches her narrative as a leader.

Original Source: www.enca.com