Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, coinciding with the nation’s 35th independence anniversary. Recognized for her competence, she garnered 58 percent of the vote in recent elections. Nandi-Ndaitwah aims to create 500,000 jobs, focusing on youth unemployment and fostering unity post-election.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history by being sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, marking a significant achievement on the African continent. At a ceremony that coincided with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary, the outgoing president, Nangolo Mbumba, transferred power to Nandi-Ndaitwah, which was attended by leaders from several African nations including Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania.
The inauguration took place under challenging weather conditions, necessitating a venue change from the Independence Stadium to State House due to heavy rains. Popularly known as NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah received an enthusiastic reaction from attendees as she took her oath of office. In her inaugural address, she emphasized that her election was based on competence and merit, despite recognizing the historic nature of her presidency.
Having previously served as vice president for a year, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a prominent figure in the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which was instrumental in Namibia’s journey to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Her recent election win secured her 58 percent of the votes amid a tumultuous electoral process characterized by logistical challenges. The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) received 25.5 percent of the votes, demonstrating SWAPO’s enduring influence despite challenges.
A pressing concern highlighted during the election was the high rate of youth unemployment, with 44 percent of individuals aged 18 to 34 unemployed. Nandi-Ndaitwah identified job creation as a top priority, aiming to generate 500,000 jobs in the next five years, requiring an investment of approximately 85 billion Namibian dollars (or $4.67 billion). Key industries she plans to focus on for job creation include agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports sectors.
Furthermore, she urged her fellow citizens to unite in the wake of political divisions that surfaced during the elections, emphasizing collaboration for the nation’s development. “We can make our politics during the campaign and so on but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together,” she remarked, encouraging a spirit of solidarity among all Namibians.
In summary, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female president marks a pivotal moment in the country’s history and on the African continent. Her emphasis on competence, commitment to job creation, and call for national unity are critical as she embarks on her presidency. The challenges of youth unemployment and the need for political collaboration will require dedicated efforts as she leads Namibia towards progress and stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
