Mbumba Salutes Namibian Women for Achievements in Leadership

Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba hailed Namibian women for their advancement following the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first female president. He acknowledged the strides toward gender parity in parliament and expressed both pride and sorrow in his farewell address, reflecting on his time in office and the death of his predecessor, Hage Geingob.

Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba has commended Namibian women for their significant achievement of attaining the pinnacle of power with the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president after 35 years of independence. This election signifies a historic moment, as she becomes the first elected woman president in Southern Africa and the second on the entire continent, following Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

During a farewell address to heads of state, former leaders, and dignitaries at State House, Mbumba expressed his satisfaction in concluding his tenure with nearly 50/50 representation in parliament, crediting the political parties’ zebra style that promotes gender parity. This framework aligns with the Southern African Development Community policies, emphasizing gender balance in governmental roles.

Mbumba remarked, “Friday 21 March will symbolise the pinnacle of our nation’s efforts to ensure that Namibian women are empowered. Our Namibian women and girls will break the glass ceiling by ascending to the highest echelons of state power.” He expressed his contentment in serving as vice president alongside President Hage Geingob, who passed away in February of the previous year, referring to him as his brother and comrade.

Regrettably, Mbumba acknowledged that he is the sole individual saying goodbye on this occasion, a reality he accepts as his destiny. He expressed gratitude for the warm support he received from Namibians during his leadership transition, which he described as both enjoyable and challenging while successfully completing Geingob’s term.

In summary, President Nangolo Mbumba’s farewell highlighted significant milestones achieved by Namibian women, notably the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as president, marking a transformative moment in the nation’s governance. Mbumba emphasized the importance of gender parity in political representation and reflected on his tenure’s emotional challenges and achievements, culminating in a hopeful vision for the future of women’s empowerment in Namibia.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na