Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to make history as one of Africa’s few female leaders when she is inaugurated as the president of Namibia on Friday. Here are five key insights about the upcoming leader of this stable and resource-rich nation of approximately three million people in southern Africa.
– Ruling Party Veteran
Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as NNN, is a steadfast supporter of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), the party that has led Namibia since its independence from South Africa in 1990. Her election victory in November 2024, where she garnered 58 percent of the votes, came as no surprise given SWAPO’s longstanding dominance.
– Extensive Government Career
Her political journey began in the national assembly in 1990, and she was first appointed as a cabinet minister in 2000, leading the ministry of women’s and children’s affairs. Over the years, she has held various significant ministerial roles, including Minister of Information, Environment and Tourism, and Foreign Affairs. In February 2024, she made history as the first woman to serve as vice president of the country.
– Aged 72
Born in October 1952, Nandi-Ndaitwah will assume office at the age of 72 for a five-year term. She will lead a youthful nation, with over 70 percent of the population being under the age of 34, according to the latest census data.
– Conservative Stance
Nandi-Ndaitwah, the daughter of an Anglican pastor, holds conservative views on various social issues, including abortion, which is largely illegal in Namibia. In 2023, her party opposed the legalization of gay marriage.
– Time Spent in Exile
In the 1970s, Nandi-Ndaitwah went into exile, first settling in Zambia before moving to Russia, where she joined the Komsomol, a youth organization from the Soviet era. Additionally, she has expressed support for North Korea, which has established several structures in Namibia’s capital.
As Namibia prepares for this new chapter, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration marks a significant milestone for the country and its leadership landscape.
