All about Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who could be Namibia’s 1st woman president

At present, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania holds the favoritism of being the lone pistillate president successful Africa, having assumed bureau done a law succession alternatively than a fashionable vote. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s imaginable triumph could signify a important measurement toward sex equality successful Namibia.

Namibia’s President Nangolo Mbumba greets statesmanlike campaigner Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia’s ruling enactment SWAPO, astatine a rally up of the upcoming elections successful Windhoek, Namibia, November 24, 2024. (REUTERS)

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Political Journey

A dedicated enactment loyalist, Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SWAPO astatine the property of 14, participating successful the absorption against South African rule, which had persisted since World War I and was liable for the implementation of Apartheid. Her enactment successful SWAPO’s Youth League paved the mode for her governmental ascent, starring to ministerial roles successful overseas affairs, tourism, kid welfare, and information.

Challenges Ahead

SWAPO has dominated Namibian authorities for astir 3 decades, but its grip weakened successful the 2019 elections, wherever it mislaid two-thirds of its bulk successful the National Assembly. Political expert Henning Melber warns that the enactment should presumption the 2019 results arsenic a cautionary tale, contempt favorable aboriginal canvass predictions.

Recent peculiar aboriginal polls conducted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia indicated that Nandi-Ndaitwah is presently successful the pb among voters from overseas missions, seamen, and information services.

As the elections approach, Namibia faces important challenges, including a 19% unemployment rate, stagnant for astir 30 years, alongside troubled authorities finances, corruption concerns, and precocious levels of inequality.

Nandi-Ndaitwah is besides contending with Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic, stating, “I person ever believed successful teamwork; that is what has enabled maine to execute what I have.”

Sikanyiso Masuku, a probe chap astatine the University of Cape Town, noted that a triumph for Nandi-Ndaitwah could animate different governmental parties crossed the region.

(With inputs from the BBC, AP)