By Emmanuel Nduka
Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was hailed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for her historic rise to power, marking a significant moment not only for Namibia but for the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Speaking after her swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Ramaphosa praised the landmark achievement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the vital roles women play in leadership across the continent. “It’s historic for Namibians to have their first woman president. It’s something we celebrate. This is about the recognition of the role women play on our continent,” he said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration is a momentous occasion, as she becomes the first woman in SADC to assume the highest office and only the second woman in Africa to serve as president, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders from countries such as Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania, attended the ceremony in Windhoek and celebrated Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership. “We embrace this breakthrough, and we wait for the day when women will rise to the top in all our countries,” he added.
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned political leader with decades of experience in government, secured a decisive victory in the November 2024 elections, winning 58% of the vote despite challenges in the polling process. Her victory also ensures the continued dominance of the Swapo party, which has governed Namibia for 35 years.
Notably, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s cabinet includes significant female representation, with Lucia Witbooi appointed as the country’s first female vice president and eight women serving as ministers. This appointment makes Namibia the only African nation to have both a female president and vice-president, signaling the country’s commitment to gender equality in leadership.
“We are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, celebrating the momentous progress for women in Africa.
While her inauguration marks a historic achievement, Nandi-Ndaitwah faces significant challenges ahead, particularly the high youth unemployment rate. With 44% of young Namibians between 18 and 34 unemployed, Nandi-Ndaitwah has made it a priority to create 500,000 jobs over the next five years, requiring an investment of N$85bn (R85bn).
Her presidency represents not only a victory for women’s leadership but also an opportunity to address the pressing economic issues facing Namibia today.
