Samia Attends Historic Inauguration of Namibia’s First Female President

President Samia Suluhu Hassan will attend the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president on March 21, 2025. Discussions will focus on enhancing relations between Tanzania and Namibia. Nandi-Ndaitwah has a prominent political history and won the presidential election with 57.3 percent of the vote despite allegations of irregularities. She upholds traditional Swapo policies and maintains strong ties with various nations, preparing for challenges in governance amid Swapo’s declining popularity.

On March 21, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan will attend the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, marking a historic moment as Namibia’s first female president. This event occurs simultaneously with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations. A statement from the Presidential Communications Directorate, authored by Ms. Sharifa Nyanga, confirms President Samia’s role as the guest of honour at the ceremony and underscores the historical ties between Tanzania and Namibia, established during the liberation struggles of southern Africa.

President Hassan is expected to engage in discussions with President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah regarding the enhancement of bilateral relations between their respective nations. Ms. Nandi-Ndaitwah, at 72 years old, has a vibrant political history, having become a member of the National Assembly since Namibia’s independence in 1990 and holding multiple ministerial roles since then. Despite facing political obstacles, she has regained prominence aided by her non-confrontational leadership style and a reputation for humility.

In the 2024 elections, 73 percent of registered Namibians voted, with the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) securing 53.4 percent of the parliamentary seats. Nandi-Ndaitwah won the presidential election with 57.3 percent of the vote, surpassing the previous president’s results despite facing allegations of election irregularities that were ultimately dismissed by the court.

Ms. Nandi-Ndaitwah, born on October 29, 1952, in northern Namibia, was politically active from a young age, leading the Swapo Youth League in Ovamboland and campaigning against apartheid oppression. Following imprisonment and exile in the 1970s, she became a central figure within Swapo, contributing significantly to the struggle for Namibia’s independence.

Her political career gained momentum as she was elected Swapo’s first female vice president in 2017 and retained the position in 2022, solidifying her status as the party’s presidential candidate. Local journalists have noted her integrity and lack of scandals, while her trustworthiness may be indispensable for her presidential term.

Despite her groundbreaking elevation to the presidency, Ms. Nandi-Ndaitwah adheres closely to Swapo’s traditional policies and maintains a conservative ideology, particularly regarding social issues such as LGBTI+ rights and abortion regulations. Additionally, her historical ties to communist ideologies, and current relationships with nations such as China, Russia, and North Korea, reflect her complex political stance.

As she steps into her new role, Nandi-Ndaitwah is anticipated to pursue stability over radical reforms, but she might face challenges in light of Swapo’s diminishing popularity since the last elections.

The inauguration of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah signifies a landmark achievement in the nation’s political history with its first female head of state. Her journey reflects a narrative of resilience and historical political ties with Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. While her leadership within Swapo is expected to uphold continuity rather than initiate radical change, her presidency may present both opportunities and challenges in navigating the evolving political landscape of Namibia.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz