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This is an archive article published on November 26, 2024
Who is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in race to be Namibia’s 1st woman president?
Despite the many challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah has “always believed in teamwork, that is what made me achieve what I have achieved.”
SWAPO presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attends a rally ahead of the upcoming elections in Windhoek, Namibia , November 24, 2024. (REUTERS)
This Wednesday, Namibians will head to the polls to determine whether the country will elect its first-ever woman president. With nearly 15 political parties contesting for the presidency and seats in the National Assembly, these elections are the most competitive since Namibia gained independence in 1990.
Who is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah?
Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, representing Namibia’s ruling party, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), is vying for the presidency. If successful, she will make history as Namibia’s first female head of state.
At present, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania holds the distinction of being the only female president in Africa, having assumed office through a constitutional succession rather than a popular vote. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s potential victory could signify a significant step toward gender equality in Namibia.
Namibia’s President Nangolo Mbumba greets presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia’s ruling party SWAPO, at a rally ahead of the upcoming elections in Windhoek, Namibia, November 24, 2024. (REUTERS)
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s political journey
A dedicated party loyalist, Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SWAPO at the age of 14, participating in the resistance against South African rule, which had persisted since World War I and was responsible for the implementation of Apartheid. Her leadership in SWAPO’s Youth League paved the way for her political ascent, leading to ministerial roles in foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare, and information.
Challenges Ahead
SWAPO has dominated Namibian politics for nearly three decades, but its grip weakened in the 2019 elections, where it lost two-thirds of its majority in the National Assembly. Political analyst Henning Melber warns that the party should view the 2019 results as a cautionary tale, despite favourable early poll predictions.
Recent special early polls conducted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia indicated that Nandi-Ndaitwah is currently in the lead among voters from foreign missions, seamen, and security services.
As the elections approach, Namibia faces significant challenges, including a 19% unemployment rate, stagnant for nearly 30 years, alongside troubled government finances, corruption concerns, and high levels of inequality.
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Nandi-Ndaitwah is also contending with Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic, stating, “I have always believed in teamwork; that is what has enabled me to achieve what I have.”
Sikanyiso Masuku, a research fellow at the University of Cape Town, noted that a victory for Nandi-Ndaitwah could inspire other political parties across the region.
(With inputs from the BBC, AP)
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