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Summary
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history, becoming the first woman to become president of Namibia. As commander-in-chief, she will unify Namibia and strengthen the nation’s economy.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah makes history as the first female President of Namibia. She won the presidential race on Dec 3rd with a majority of 57.31% and a clear parliamentary majority mandate under the ruling party, SWAPO.
Following her win, President-elect Netumbo assured Namibians that her administration would fulfil its mandate. Speaking at the Electoral Commission of Namibia headquarters in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah said her presidency will be premised on unity, diversity, resource beneficiation, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
“Today, I’m saying to the Namibian people, as we have been telling you throughout the campaign, that for us in the SWAPO party and the team that I’m going to lead, we have made commitments. And I’m saying to you, we are going to do what we have told you. Thank you for your trust and confidence in us.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah is a veteran political leader. She became the SWAPO deputy representative in Zambia from 1976 to 1978 and the chief representative in Zambia from 1978 to 1980. From 1980 until 1986, she was the SWAPO chief representative in East Africa.
She has also been a member of the National Assembly of Namibia since 1990. She was deputy Minister of international relations and cooperation from 1990 to 1996 and first gained ministerial status in 1996 as director-general of Women’s Affairs in the Office of the President, where she served until 2000. In 2000, served as the nation’s Minister for Women Affairs and Child Welfare.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also sits on SWAPO’s central committee and the politburo. Her win as Namibia’s president has garnered diverse reactions on the day’s significance for African women.
“As a proud #daughterofafrica I celebrate Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President-elect of Namibia, on your historic victory. Your leadership redefines the possibility for women and girls across Africa, proving the power of representation and paving the way for more women in leadership to shape our continent’s future.,” Gina Din (@gina_din) tweeted.
Chinyere Nwonye (@ChinyereNwonye) also states “Congratulations to Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President-elect of the Republic of Namibia. It is heartwarming to see women breaking barriers in political spaces. We are making tremendous and steady progress in gender equality. Definitely a good day!”
