It was a double celebration in Namibia as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as NNN was sworn in as the first female president, coinciding with the celebration of the country’s 35th anniversary of its independence.
The swearing-in was held at State House in Windhoek where Nandi-Ndaitwah took the oath of office before Chief Justice Peter Shivute in the presence of several African leaders, including Botswana’s President Boko Duma, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
It was noted that before Nandi-Ndaitwah’s swearing-in as the president, she was formally a president of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), with a significant role in securing the country’s independence from South Africa apartheid in 1990.
The 72-year-old newly elected president secured 58 percent of the vote during the election. Meanwhile, her unwavering effort in building Namibia Nandi-Ndaitwah joins a small group of women leaders on the continent, symbolizing progress in a region where female representation in top political roles remains limited.
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During the handing-over ceremony, the former President, Nangolo Mbumba, noted that the moment as a significant breakthrough for gender equality.
“Namibia is witnessing one of its foremost daughters breaking through the glass ceiling,” he said. “It has been a long time coming.” He said.
It should be recalled that just as Nandi-Ndaitwah made history, other women such as Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Joyce Banda of Walawi, and and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia had served as heads of state, reflecting the growing recognition of female leadership across African countries.
