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Who is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah? Meet Namibia’s first female president

At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office as Namibia’s fifth president, succeeding Nangolo Mbumba, who had been serving as interim president following Hage Geingob’s death in February 2024.

Nandi-Ndaitwah was foreign minister before becoming vice president in 2024. (AP photo)

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on Friday, marking a historic moment for the country. Her inauguration coincided with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary but was moved from a stadium to the presidential office due to heavy rain. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office as Namibia’s fifth president, succeeding Nangolo Mbumba, who had been serving as interim president following Hage Geingob’s death in February 2024.

Several African leaders, including those from South Africa, Zambia, Congo, Botswana, Angola, and Kenya, attended the ceremony, along with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and former leaders Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Joyce Banda of Malawi.

“The task facing me as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia is to preserve the gains of our independence… and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement is carried forward with vigor and determination,” she stated in her inaugural speech.

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A life of political activism

Born on October 29, 1952, in the village of Onamutai, Nandi-Ndaitwah was the ninth of thirteen children. At just 14, she joined the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), the party that led Namibia’s fight for independence from South African rule.

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During the 1970s and 1980s, she lived in exile in Zambia, Tanzania, the former Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, gaining international exposure and furthering her education.

Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah became a key political figure, serving in various ministerial roles. She was foreign minister before becoming vice president in 2024.

Election victory

Representing the ruling SWAPO party, Nandi-Ndaitwah won the November 27, 2024, election with 57% of the vote, defeating Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who secured 26%.

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She has emphasized her commitment to governance reforms, stating that she will insist on good governance and high ethical standards in public institutions. A strong advocate for women’s rights, Nandi-Ndaitwah played a crucial role in the passage of Namibia’s Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002. She has consistently pushed for greater female representation in politics.

Internationally, she has pledged to continue Namibia’s support for Palestinian and Western Saharan self-determination and has called for lifting sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

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She has also committed to addressing climate change, a pressing issue for Namibia, which regularly experiences severe droughts.

Personal life

Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to retired General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a former chief of the Namibian Defence Force, who has been officially designated as the “first gentleman.” The couple has three sons. Despite her high-profile political career, she maintains a relatively private personal life and is passionate about community work focused on children.

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Opposition parties have contested her victory, citing alleged electoral irregularities.

(With inputs from AP)

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