Namibia is making history with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah website online to turn into the country’s first feminine president. When she is sworn in on Friday, she is going to join the microscopic but growing list of girls leading African countries.
Nonetheless who is she, and what does her leadership imply for Namibia? Right here’s what you’ll need to know.
A lifestyles devoted to SWAPO
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, typically called NNN has been a genuine member of Namibia’s ruling event, SWAPO, for decades. She joined as a teen when the event used to be calm struggling with for the country’s independence from South Africa.
Since then, she has risen thru the ranks, serving in key government roles and cementing her affect within the event.
Her victory within the 2024 election used to be now not a surprise. SWAPO has held vitality since Namibia obtained independence in 1990, and Nandi-Ndaitwah’s sturdy ties to the event made her the pure successor. She obtained the presidency with 58% of the vote, securing SWAPO’s persisted rule.
A lengthy profession in government
Nandi-Ndaitwah is now not any stranger to leadership. Since 1990, she has held varied ministerial positions, proving her trip all the scheme in which thru varied sectors. From ladies and kids’s affairs to data, tourism, and international family individuals, she has played a valuable role in shaping Namibia’s policies.
Her appointment as vice president in February 2024 marked one other milestone—she turned the important lady to retain that predicament. Now, as she takes the top job, many shall be staring at to search how her years of trip translate into her presidency.
A president at 72
At 72 years former, Nandi-Ndaitwah is taking office in a rustic the establish the broad majority of the population is underneath 34. Main a youthful nation comes with outlandish challenges, from tackling unemployment to addressing education and financial issues.
She takes over from President Nangolo Mbumba, who stepped in after the passing of Hage Geingob in early 2024. While Namibia has remained politically stable, her leadership shall be tested because the country appears to be like to be like toward the lengthy trip.
Solid conservative views
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s upbringing because the daughter of an Anglican pastor has shaped her former views. She has stood firmly against the legalization of abortion, conserving per Namibia’s new laws.
Her event has moreover maintained a conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights, voting against the reputation of homosexual marriage in 2023.
Her presidency is likely to continue along these lines, reflecting SWAPO’s broader ideological stance on social factors.
NNN, an exile who discovered a second home in Russia
Take care of many freedom warring parties of her time, Nandi-Ndaitwah spent years in exile all the scheme thru Namibia’s conflict for independence. She first moved to Zambia sooner than relocating to Russia, the establish she turned concerned with the Soviet-era communist childhood group, Komsomol.
Her time in a international country influenced her political outlook and bolstered ties between Namibia and worldwide locations fancy Russia and North Korea. Even today, she has expressed admiration for North Korea, which has been fascinated by building infrastructure in Namibia’s capital.
What lies forward?
As Nandi-Ndaitwah steps into office, Namibia faces severe factors, together with financial challenges, childhood unemployment, and the formulation forward for its mineral wealth. Along with her deep political trip and lengthy history in SWAPO, she is anticipated to continue the event’s legacy.
On the opposite hand, with a younger population tense change, she may maybe well want to adapt to new expectations.
Her presidency marks a historic second for Namibia, and the arena shall be staring at to search how she leads.
