Namibia has entered a new chapter as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially took office as the nation’s first female president, becoming the fifth head of state. Her swearing-in, conducted by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, coincided with the country’s 35th Independence Day celebration at the State House. Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, formally handed over power in a ceremony that had to be relocated due to an unexpected downpour.
Popularly known as NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured a decisive victory in the last election, winning over 57% of the vote, while her closest rival, Panduleni Itula, trailed at 26% and contested the results. Her political journey began at just 14 when she joined SWAPO in the fight against South African occupation. She later fled into exile, continuing her activism before returning to serve in various government roles, including foreign affairs, tourism, and child welfare.
Now 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to unite the country and drive economic revitalization, focusing on job creation in agriculture, fishing, the creative sector, and sports. During the inauguration, Tanzanian President Samia Hassan highlighted the historic nature of the moment, marking a significant step forward for Namibia and Africa as a whole.