In a historic moment for Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known by her initials NNN, has been elected as the country’s first female president, a groundbreaking achievement in a nation that has witnessed tumultuous political transitions since gaining independence in 1990. The 72-year-old candidate received over 57% of the votes, significantly ahead of her nearest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 26%, according to the electoral commission’s reports.
However, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s path to the presidency has already seen a challenge, with Itula declaring the election process “deeply flawed” due to logistical issues that necessitated a three-day extension of polling in some regions. The IPC has indicated its intent to contest the results in court, setting the stage for a potentially protracted political dispute in the coming weeks.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ascent to the presidency is not merely a personal victory; it marks a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality within Namibia’s political landscape. Her political journey is a testament to her resilience, having dedicated her life to the empowerment of her country and its people. Born in 1952 in the northern village of Onamutai, Nandi-Ndaitwah is the ninth of 13 children in a family with strong roots in Anglican values, as her father served as a clergyman.
At just 14 years old, she joined the Swapo movement, which sought to liberate Namibia from the grips of South Africa’s white-minority rule. Her passion for activism led her into leadership roles within the Swapo’s Youth League, igniting a political career that would see her champion numerous causes. Reflecting on her early motives, Nandi-Ndaitwah noted, “Politics came in just because of the circumstances. I should have become maybe a scientist.”
Her early engagement in politics was not without peril; while still in high school, she was arrested during a crackdown on Swapo activists. Following her release, she made the difficult decision to flee into exile, continuing her activism from Zambia and Tanzania before seeking higher education in the UK, where she studied International Relations. Her return to Namibia followed the country’s newfound independence in 1988, after which she took on various government roles, including in foreign affairs, tourism, and child welfare.
A staunch advocate for women’s rights, Nandi-Ndaitwah has fought tirelessly against societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. In a landmark achievement, she was instrumental in passing the Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002, amid considerable opposition from male colleagues in parliament. Her tenacity and commitment to social issues have earned her a place as a respected figure among her peers.
This past February, she ascended to the role of vice-president, succeeding Nangolo Mbumba, who had taken office following the death of former president Hage Geingob. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership style is characterised by pragmatism; she once declared, “I am an implementer, not a storyteller,” demonstrating her focus on action rather than rhetoric.
On the personal front, she shares her life with Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, the former chief of Namibia’s defence forces, and together they have three sons. As she embarks on this new chapter as Namibia’s president, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, not only because of her historic position but also due to the expectations that accompany her vow to oversee the economic transformation of the nation.