Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president, following her victory in the country’s November 2024 presidential elections.

The 72-year-old leader, representing the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), secured 57.3% of the votes in one of Namibia’s most fiercely contested elections.

Her victory is a landmark for the nation and SWAPO, the party that has governed Namibia since its independence in 1990.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also becomes only the second female head of state in Africa, after Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Despite predictions of a possible runoff, she emerged triumphant in the first round of voting.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Namibia elects first 72-year-old female President, Nandi-Ndaitwah

Key Facts About Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Early Life and Education

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was born on October 29, 1952, in Ovamboland, Namibia, she was the ninth of 13 children. She pursued her education in Zambia, the Soviet Union, and the UK, where she earned advanced degrees in international relations and public administration.

Marriage

Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a former Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, with whom she has raised a family. Though she is a public figure, her personal life remains largely private.

Political Career

She has been a long-time member of Namibia’s National Assembly since 1990, she has held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Women’s Affairs, Information, and Foreign Affairs. From 2015 to 2024, she served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Vision and Personal Achievements

Over the years, she has been a strong advocate for gender equality and sustainable development. Her presidency is expected to focus on tackling corruption, addressing unemployment, and reducing the high cost of living in Namibia. Her leadership has earned her recognition, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam and acknowledgment at the 2024 Nala Feminist Summit for her intergenerational leadership.

Historical Significance and Leadership

Known for her integrity and unifying presence within SWAPO, Nandi-Ndaitwah has held influential roles in women’s welfare, environment, tourism, and foreign affairs. Political analyst Rakkel Andreas has described her as a stateswoman who has been a cornerstone of leadership since Namibia’s independence. “She is a stateswoman. She has been in some form of leadership since we gained independence,” Andreas remarked.

However, on Tuesday, as reported by Tribune Online, SWAPO solidified its position by winning 51 out of 96 national assembly seats, while Panduleni Itula’s Independent Patriots for Change, founded in 2020, secured 20 seats. Thirteen other opposition parties shared the remaining seats.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE