Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president, succeeding Nangolo Mbumba. She won the presidential election with 57% of the votes and intends to focus on economic growth and food security during her term. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlights the importance of legislative amendments to support her agenda and actively engaged with agricultural projects prior to her inauguration. She emphasizes her preparedness and commitment to effective governance.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will become Namibia’s first female president upon her inauguration, scheduled for Friday. Having won the presidential election in November 2024 with 57% of the vote, she is succeeding Nangolo Mbumba, who completed a short presidential term after Hage Geingob’s passing in February 2024. Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned politician, is also the first woman to lead Swapo, marking a significant milestone in the party’s 65-year history.
The 73-year-old leader stated, “When the Swapo members asked me to stand as a vice-president… I am there to serve the people of Namibia. Since then, they have been preparing me for the job which they have assigned me. So, I am prepared.” Nandi-Ndaitwah has outlined her administration’s focus on economic growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure. These commitments mirror Swapo’s election manifesto, which she claims has already guided her program design.
In addressing legislative priorities, she emphasized the need for certain laws to be amended to ensure the execution of her administration’s plans, particularly the Land Act. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that drafting of the Land Bill is completed and ready for tabling in the National Assembly, where her party holds a majority.
Enhancing food security is a critical objective for her administration, with a goal to cultivate 130,000 hectares of land over the next five years. “Our manifesto has said in the next five years we must put into production 130 000 hectares of land… even in the communal land, there is some land which is unutilised,” she highlighted. Nandi-Ndaitwah actively explored various agricultural projects to assess productivity and address underutilization.
Prior to her inauguration, she conducted visits to various agricultural projects across Namibia, which informed her understanding of the country’s land usage. She expressed confidence in assembling a cabinet that will effectively support her vision for the nation, remarking, “As head of state, I have a responsibility to create a balance between the government, the executive and the legislature.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership represents not only a historical moment for Namibia but also an opportunity for substantial progress in addressing key national issues such as food security and infrastructure development, reinforcing her commitment to serving the people she represents.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female president is a landmark event that signifies progress in gender representation in leadership roles. With a well-structured plan focused on economic growth and enhanced food security, she shows preparedness to lead the nation effectively. Her commitment to amend key legislation and engage with underutilized land reflects her dedication to the sustained development of Namibia. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership not only marks historical significance but also an era of potential growth and positive change for the country.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
