On December 3, 2024, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history. She became Namibia’s first female president-elect since the country gained independence in 1990. She will assume office on March 21, 2025.
Her victory wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a turning point for a nation that has been led by men for over three decades.
So, who is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah? And how did she rise to this incredible achievement? SONIA OKERE explores the journey of this amazon
Early years
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was born in 1952 in the small northern village of Onamutai, Namibia. She was the ninth of 13 children in a family that knew both hardship and resilience. Growing up in a deeply patriarchal society, she experienced injustices. At just 14, she joined the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), a liberation movement fighting for Namibia’s freedom from apartheid and colonial rule.
Her activism quickly made her a leader among her peers, but it also put her in danger. Then in 1973, she fled the country and went into exile. She joined fellow SWAPO members in Zambia, where she worked at the organization’s headquarters in Lusaka.
Education
While in exile, Netumbo didn’t just survive—she thrived. She pursued her education in Zambia and Tanzania and later earned a degree in International Relations from the University of Keele in the UK. Her academic background provided her with the intellectual tools to navigate diplomacy, governance, and global politics.
A trailblazer in government
After Namibia gained independence in 1990, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah came home ready to make a difference. She became the country’s first female Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. From 1996 to 2000, she served as Minister of Women Affairs and Child Welfare, where she worked tirelessly to promote gender equality and protect the rights of children. Her passion for creating a fairer society was clear in every decision she made.
As Minister of Information and Broadcasting, she took bold steps to modernize Namibia’s media, ensuring it became more inclusive and accessible to all Namibians.
In 2010, she was appointed Minister of Environment and Tourism, and from 2015 to 2024, she served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations. In all these roles, she proved herself as a skilled diplomat and leader.
Breaking barriers and making history
In 2023, then-President Hage Geingob endorsed Netumbo as SWAPO’s presidential candidate for the 2024 election. After his passing in early 2024, she stepped into the role of Vice President, becoming the first woman in Namibia to hold that position.
Her campaign for the presidency focused on real issues—unemployment, poverty, and land reform. She struck a chord with voters by offering practical solutions and a vision for a better future. On November 30, 2024, after overcoming election delays and logistical challenges, she won 58.7% of the vote, defeating Panduleni Itula and McHenry Venaani.
Early this month, Netumbo was officially announced as Namibia’s first female president-elect. Her victory was met with celebrations across the nation. For many, it felt like the dawn of a new era.
One remarkable quality of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is her unwavering perseverance. At 72, she is set to be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president on March 21, 2025. Her journey to this historic milestone stands as a testament to her lifelong dedication to leadership and service.
