Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Set to Become First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history in Namibia as the first woman president-elect. With a resounding victory in the country’s presidential election, securing 57% of the vote, the 72-year-old veteran politician has achieved a significant milestone in Namibia’s political landscape. This remarkable feat solidifies Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey from freedom fighter to the highest office in the nation. The election results have confirmed her as the president-elect, ensuring the continuation of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party’s 34-year rule. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s path to the presidency spans decades of dedicated public service, including notable positions as deputy prime minister and minister of international relations.

While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election represents a revolutionary moment for Namibia’s political world, it’s important to note that the results have been contested by opposition parties. They have cited logistical issues during the voting process, including shortages of ballot papers and extended voting periods, which they claim were illegal. Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for unity, stating, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.”

This election marks a historic moment for Namibia, with Nandi-Ndaitwah set to become the country’s first female president since its independence in 1990. Her victory represents a culmination of decades of political service and personal perseverance in Namibia’s traditionally male-dominated political culture.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to presidency reflects her lifelong commitment to Namibia’s freedom and growth. She joined SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization) as a 14-year-old activist. Her career advanced through positions as a diplomat, minister, and vice president before she broke the presidential glass ceiling. Her election represents a transformation in African leadership, where few women have reached their country’s top position.

Early Life and Political Awakening

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was born on October 29, 1952 in the northern village of Onamutai during colonial rule. She grew up as the ninth of thirteen children. Her parents, Anglican clergyman Petrus Nandi and Justina Nekoto Shaduka-Nandi, instilled both spiritual values and political awareness in their children.

Growing Up in Colonial Namibia

Life under South African apartheid rule centered around St. Mary’s Mission School at Odibo, where Netumbo later became a teacher. Her childhood home became a witness to history as SWAPO members, including notable activist Kaxumba Kandola, gathered under nearby trees for their meetings.

Joining SWAPO at Age 14

1966 marked the beginning of her political life when she joined SWAPO at fourteen years old. This decision shaped her future path completely. SWAPO’s Youth League formation in 1970 gave her first leadership role, setting the stage for her rise within the organization.

Early Activism and Imprisonment

Her resistance took many forms. She led protesters to Ondangwa airport during UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim’s visit. She stood against public floggings with Lutheran bishop Leonard Auala and Anglican bishop Suffragan Wood. She led resistance activities in Ovamboland as the SWAPO Youth League chair.

Her activism led to imprisonment at Ondangwa in 1971. Though she avoided the public floggings that many fellow activists faced, her time in prison strengthened her determination. The increasing persecution pushed her to flee into exile by 1974, joining other SWAPO members who continued their fight for independence.

Journey Through Exile and Education

After leaving Namibia in 1973, Nandi-Ndaitwah began a life-changing experience that shaped her future leadership. She started her exile at SWAPO headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia, where she proved herself as a capable leader.

Life in Zambia and Tanzania

Her diplomatic career grew as she served as SWAPO’s Deputy Chief Representative in Zambia from 1976 to 1978. She earned a promotion to Chief Representative and served from 1978 to 1980. A transfer to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania expanded her influence. She became SWAPO’s Chief Representative for Eastern Africa and represented the organization at the African Unity Coordinating Committee from 1980 to 1986.

International Education and Training

During exile, she achieved significant educational milestones:

• Diploma in communist youth movement from Lenin Higher Komsomol School, Soviet Union (1975-1976)
• Post-graduate diploma in Public Administration from Glasgow College of Technology (1987)
• Post-graduate diploma in International Relations from Keele University (1988)
• Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from Keele University (1989)

Building Diplomatic Networks

Her exile years helped her build vital diplomatic relationships with nations of all sizes. She developed extensive networks as SWAPO’s chief representative that proved valuable in her political career. SWAPO’s international standing and solidarity networks grew stronger through her role as the movement’s voice in Eastern Africa.

Rise to Political Leadership

After Namibia gained independence, Nandi-Ndaitwah began a remarkable 25-year journey in public service that made her one of the nation’s most trusted leaders.

Key Ministerial Positions

She held several significant portfolios in government that showed her versatility and dedication to national development:

• Minister of Women Affairs and Child Welfare (2000-2005)
• Minister of Environment and Tourism (2010-2012)
• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2012-2015)
• Deputy Prime Minister (2015-2024)

Advocacy for Women’s Rights

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s dedication to gender equality became evident through her support of the Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002. Male colleagues tried to ridicule the draft law, but she stood firm and reminded them that SWAPO’s constitution explicitly condemns sexism.

Becoming SWAPO Vice President

In 2017, Nandi-Ndaitwah broke new ground by becoming SWAPO’s first female vice president. Her election to this role showed her skill at uniting different party factions while keeping her reputation free from corruption allegations that plagued other party members. The party congress recognized her leadership qualities and integrity with re-election in 2022.

Her role as SWAPO vice president became vital when party practices led to her nomination as the presidential candidate for the 2024 elections. This nomination carried special weight as it set her path to potentially become Namibia’s first female president and join Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was Africa’s only female president at that time.

Making History in 2024

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah won a decisive victory in the November 2024 Namibian presidential election by securing 57.31% of the votes. Her nearest rival, Panduleni Itula, received 26% of the ballots. This clear margin established her mandate to lead the nation.

Campaign Strategy and Vision

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s campaign focused on economic transformation and job creation. She promised to create over 500,000 jobs and pledged 85 billion Namibian dollars for employment programs. Her pragmatic leadership style and clean reputation struck a chord with voters, and she emerged as a steady hand in Namibian politics.

Electoral Victory Challenges

The historic election faced several major hurdles:

• Technical difficulties and ballot paper shortages forced voting extensions
• Opposition parties boycotted results announcement in Windhoek
• Legal challenges emerged regarding the election’s validity
• Electoral Commission admitted to organizational failures

Electoral Commission chairperson Elsie Nghikembua strongly rejected any fraud allegations. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory speech highlighted unity when she declared that “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability”.

Breaking the Gender Barrier

Her election marks a milestone in African leadership. She became the second current female head of state on the continent, joining Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan. This achievement coincided with SWAPO retaining its parliamentary majority, though with a reduced count of 51 seats out of 96.

Political analyst Rakkel Andreas attributed Nandi-Ndaitwah’s success to her skill in uniting different SWAPO factions while keeping her reputation spotless. Her victory shattered the gender barrier and showed the rise of Namibian politics, as younger citizens now just need greater political pluralism.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to Namibia’s presidency proves her perseverance and progressive leadership in African politics. She transformed from a teenage SWAPO activist to become Namibia’s first female president, which shows the country’s development since independence. Her roles as diplomat, minister, and party leader showed her steadfast dedication to national development and she maintained an untarnished reputation for integrity.

Her historic victory surpasses personal achievement and marks a transformation in African leadership dynamics. Nandi-Ndaitwah and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan represent a new generation of female leaders who are changing continental politics. She brings a pragmatic approach to governance and ambitious economic plans that signal hope for Namibia’s future growth.

This defining moment shows Namibia’s political maturity and readiness to welcome change. Nandi-Ndaitwah will bring fresh points of view to address national challenges while building on her decades of public service experience. Her trip from freedom fighter to head of state mirrors Namibia’s path from struggle to democracy and sets new measures for leadership in Africa.