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Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub

IN a historic moment for Namibia, Madam Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (72) from the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party, will be inaugurated as the country’s first female President tomorrow.

The inauguration ceremony coincides with the nation’s 35th Independence Day.

Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes Namibia’s fifth president since its independence in 1990, after securing a decisive victory in the November 2024 presidential election with 57,31 percent of the vote. 

This win established her as President-elect. Her closest rival, Mr Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), received 25,5 percent.

Her election is ground-breaking, as she is the first elected female President in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It is also a historic event for Namibia and a significant step for female leadership in the Southern African bloc, which is currently chaired by President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa

SADC has had two women Presidents; former Malawi president Joyce Banda and current Tanzania head of state Samia Suluhu Hassan. However, both became Heads of State after the deaths of their predecessors.

President Mnangagwa congratulated Madam Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on her victory, which made her the country’s first female President. 

In a statement, President Mnangagwa said the victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence that the people of Namibia have in her leadership.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my sincerest congratulations on your historic election as the President of the Republic of Namibia.

“Your victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence that the people of Namibia have in your leadership to safeguard the liberation heritage and bring about socio-economic transformation in Namibia.

“As you assume your new role, I am confident that the excellent relations between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead,” he said.

The President said Zimbabwe stands ready to work with Namibia to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation.

Social media platforms have also been vibrant with messages of encouragement, reflecting a nationwide outpouring of support as Namibians from diverse backgrounds celebrate the historic significance of Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency.

The celebrations underscore the widespread recognition of her achievement as the nation’s first female President, with many expressing hope for her leadership to usher in an era of progress and inclusivity.

Notably, her election has been met with particular enthusiasm in her home village of Okongo, where residents take immense pride in her accomplishments.

This historic event has ignited nationwide conversations about gender equality and women’s empowerment. This milestone not only shatters gender barriers but also signals potential transformative shifts in the country’s political and economic landscape.

In her acceptance speech as Swapo president, Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah said her election cemented the significant steps towards achieving gender equality and prosperity in the country.

“This is going to strengthen Namibia in our strive for ensuring that gender equality becomes a reality, not just for the sake of gender equality but also for the prosperity of our people.”

Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah said becoming the female President of the party is significant to the resilience of Namibia’s democracy and to the strengthening of cultural diversity and the dreams of countless women.

She acknowledged the efforts of both women and men in the struggle for equality, justice and inclusive socio-economic development, affirming that these struggles have not been in vain.

“It is a moment of joy, and I can say Namibia will go down in history,” she said.

As quoted by The Namibian, Swapo Party Women Council (SPWC) secretary Fransina Kahungu emphasised that Swapo’s election of Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah as President demonstrated the party’s commitment to progressive leadership.

“Nandi-Ndaitwah is not the President because she is a woman, but because she is qualified, we are referring to someone who was given a lot of responsibilities, who learnt various lessons,” she says.

Kahungu said since 1970, when the SPWC was formed at the Tanga Consultative Conference in Tanzania, the party had not looked back at promoting women.

The former Windhoek Mayor added that Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah is a woman of perseverance who has been in the party for over 53 years.

She highlighted the importance of inclusivity to other political parties and public and private spheres, not only in gender but also when it comes to disabilities.

“We must see people of various capacities, in this case, people with disabilities must be elevated to other levels,” she says.

South Africa’s former President, Thabo Mbeki, has also commended Namibia on electing Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first elected female President in the SADC. In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Mbeki recalled his relationship with the president-elect and said he has known Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah since meeting her in exile.

“She grew up in front of us. I think I know enough about her to have confidence in her ability to lead Namibia. She will discharge her responsibilities as the President of Namibia properly,” he said.

Mr Mbeki confirmed that he will attend Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration tomorrow. He said he had personally assured Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah of his presence during the funeral of Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma.

“I was very, very happy that Swapo nominated her to be their presidential candidate. She then won the elections. I am pleased that the courts when the matter was challenged, decided that she was properly elected,” Mr Mbeki said.

He added that Madam Nandi-Ndaitwah’s success will be crucial, not just for Namibia but for the entire region, and pledged his full support.