Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, succeeding in elections that affirmed the ruling SWAPO party’s power. She prioritizes job creation to combat youth unemployment and calls for unity in post-election governance. Nandi-Ndaitwah has conservative values regarding social issues but represents a breakthrough for women’s leadership in the country.
Namibia is set to swear in its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on Friday. She emerges victorious from the elections held last year, which enabled the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) to maintain its dominance for 35 years. Nandi-Ndaitwah has previously served as vice president and is poised to join the ranks of a few women leaders in Southern Africa.
At the upcoming inauguration ceremony, dignitaries from neighboring countries, including Angola and South Africa, are expected to attend. Nandi-Ndaitwah, also known by her initials, NNN, received 58 percent of the votes during last November’s elections, which were marred by logistical challenges and delays. The opposition party, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 25.5 percent, suggesting a persistent loyalty towards SWAPO amidst declining support for other liberation parties in the region.
Significant issues during the election included the high unemployment rate of the youth, with a staggering 44 percent of individuals aged 18 to 34 reported to be unemployed in a nation of just three million. In a pre-inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized addressing this crisis and aims to create at least 500,000 jobs over the next five years, which would necessitate an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion).
Nandi-Ndaitwah identified agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries as key sectors for job creation. She emphasized unity, urging political factions to collaborate following contentious elections marked by IPC’s unsuccessful legal objection. She stated, “We must build Namibia together,” highlighting the importance of collective progress.
Reflecting on her historic election, she remarked, “Of course, it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls,” symbolizing progress for women in leadership roles. Nandi-Ndaitwah, rooted in conservative values and having opposed abortion, is also known for her advocacy for Namibia’s historical ties with North Korea during her tenure as foreign minister from 2012 to 2024.
Namibia ranks as one of the world’s largest natural uranium producers and is rich in diamonds, with aspirations for its natural gas and oil reserves. Although the nation possesses the potential for solar and wind energy, Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of developing this sector effectively.
The inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first woman president marks a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape. Her leadership comes amidst challenges such as high youth unemployment, and she aims to invest in job creation and unity post-election. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s conservative views and her historic election reflect advancing gender representation in leadership. Namibia’s rich natural resources hold promise for future development under her administration.
Original Source: www.ecr.co.za
