Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on Friday, marking a historic milestone for the country, which gained independence 35 years ago.
Here are five key facts about the leader of this stable and resource-rich nation of approximately three million people in southern Africa:
– Ruling Party Veteran –
Known popularly as NNN, she is a seasoned member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), the party that has governed Namibia since its independence from South Africa in 1990. SWAPO’s dominance ensured her victory in the November 2024 elections, where she secured 58 per cent of the votes as the party’s candidate. Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SWAPO at the age of 14 during the struggle for independence and became its first female president last year.
– Long Government Career –
Nandi-Ndaitwah began her political career in the national assembly in 1990 and was first appointed as a cabinet minister in 2000, heading the ministry of women’s and children’s affairs. Over the years, she has held various ministerial positions, including information, environment and tourism, and foreign affairs, as well as serving as deputy prime minister. In February 2024, she made history again by becoming Namibia’s first female vice president.
– 72 Years Old –
Born in October 1952, Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in at the age of 72 for a five-year term. She will lead a predominantly young nation, with over 70 per cent of the population under the age of 34, according to the 2023 census. She succeeded 83-year-old Nangolo Mbumba, who assumed office in February 2024 following the death of his predecessor, Hage Geingob, at the age of 82.
– Conservative Views –
The daughter of an Anglican pastor and educated at a mission school, Nandi-Ndaitwah holds conservative views on issues such as abortion, which remains largely illegal in the predominantly Christian country. Her party also voted against legalizing gay marriage in 2023.
– Exile and International Education –
NNN spent 15 years in exile, leaving Namibia in 1974 at the age of 21. During this time, she lived in Zambia and Tanzania, as well as in Russia, where she joined the Komsomol, a Soviet-era communist youth organization. She earned a post-graduate diploma in public administration and management from the Glasgow College of Technology in 1987 and a master’s degree in diplomatic studies from Keele University in England in 1989.