Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn in as Namibia’s First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president following a 57 percent victory in the 2024 elections. Her inauguration coincides with the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence. A member of SWAPO, she aims to preserve independence gains and enhance national advancement.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president after successfully winning the 2024 elections. The ceremony occurred on Friday, aligning with the 35th commemoration of Namibia’s independence. She succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, the interim leader following the passing of former President Hage Geingob earlier this year, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

In her inaugural address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who received 57 percent of the votes, emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the achievements of independence and advancing the country’s economic and social agenda. “The task facing me, as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia, is to preserve the gains of our independence on all fronts and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement of our people is carried forward with vigour and determination to bring about shared, balanced prosperity for all,” she expressed. She reiterated her belief in national unity, stating, “I am optimistic that, as a nation, we can make a success of our country. We must work together as a united people with one heart and one mind.”

The inauguration was marked by the presence of several African heads of state and representatives from various international and regional organizations, underscoring its significance in Namibian history.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, aged 72, is a long-standing member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which has held power since Namibia’s independence in 1990. Having joined SWAPO during the independence struggle, her career has included numerous high-ranking roles, including cabinet minister positions in women’s affairs, information and broadcasting, environment, tourism, and foreign affairs. In February 2024, she made history as Namibia’s first female vice president.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female president marks a key historical moment for the nation, coinciding with its independence anniversary. Her leadership aims to maintain the country’s independence gains while promoting economic and social progress. With an extensive political background within the ruling SWAPO party, President Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to lead Namibia towards a prosperous future.

Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com