Namibia elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. Winning with 58.7% of the vote on December 3, 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah not only shattered a national glass ceiling but also set a record as the first woman to lead a Southern African nation. Her victory signifies a watershed moment for gender representation in regional politics and showcases the evolving democratic ideals of Namibia, a country with a complex political history.
“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Nandi-Ndaitwah declared as she was named president-elect, marking a new era for the nation of 2.5 million people.
A Life Steeped in Activism and Diplomacy
Born in 1952 as the ninth child of clergyman Petrus Nandi in Onamutai, northern Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s early exposure to SWAPO’s anti-colonial activities set the stage for her lifelong political career. “Growing up, political activities were also not very far from me,” she shared in a 2023 interview, recalling how her home became a hub for activists like Kaxumba Kandola, who organized meetings under the shade of nearby trees.
Her academic journey was equally remarkable. She attended the Lenin Higher Komsomol School in the Soviet Union, graduated in management from Glasgow College of Technology in the UK, and earned a master’s degree in diplomatic studies from Keele University. Her education, coupled with her revolutionary zeal, propelled her into significant roles within SWAPO during Namibia’s independence struggle.
From Exile to Leadership
In 1974, Nandi-Ndaitwah went into exile in Zambia, joining SWAPO’s headquarters in Lusaka. Over the next two decades, she served as SWAPO’s deputy and chief representative in Zambia, East Africa, and Tanzania, advocating for Namibia’s independence. Her leadership extended to women’s rights as the president of the Namibian National Women’s Organisation (NANAWO) from 1991 to 1994.
After Namibia’s independence in 1990, she became one of the first members of the National Assembly, holding various ministerial portfolios, including Foreign Affairs and Women and Children Affairs. In 2015, she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation under President Hage Geingob.
In 2023, she was named SWAPO’s presidential candidate, and following Geingob’s passing in February 2024, she ascended to the vice presidency, further cementing her position as a political heavyweight.
A Victory Rooted in Stability and Progress
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s electoral success reflects Namibia’s desire for continuity and progress. As a stalwart of SWAPO, her presidency promises to build on the party’s legacy of peace, stability, and economic reform. However, her leadership also comes with immense challenges, including addressing unemployment, income inequality, and climate change, issues that resonate deeply with Namibians.
Her journey from a young girl witnessing political gatherings under trees to the highest office in the land is a testament to her resilience and commitment. As she prepares to take office on March 21, 2025, the world will watch how she navigates her presidency in a region where female leadership remains scarce.
A Symbol of Hope for Southern Africa
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency transcends Namibia’s borders, signaling hope for gender equality in Southern Africa. Her election could inspire a new wave of women leaders across the continent, reinforcing the belief that women can lead nations through transformative periods.
Married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, former Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, Nandi-Ndaitwah is not just a pioneer in politics but a figure whose life embodies resilience, diplomacy, and the unwavering pursuit of progress.
