NAIROBI, Kenya- In a groundbreaking moment for African politics, Namibia has elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its fifth president, making her the country’s first female leader.
Her victory is a significant milestone, marking her as only the fourth elected female head of state in Africa’s history.
Among those applauding her achievement is Kenyan President William Ruto, who hailed her win as a testament to boundless opportunities in political leadership.
“Congratulations, Your Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,” President Ruto said in his congratulatory message. “Your election as Namibia’s first woman president – and the fourth ever elected woman president in Africa.”
The 72-year-old president-elect secured a commanding 57pc of the vote, outpacing her nearest competitor, Panduleni Itula, who garnered 26pc, as reported by Namibia’s electoral commission.
Her victory not only cements her place in history but also positions her to lead Namibia into a new era of economic and social transformation.
Born in 1952 in the small northern village of Onamutai, Nandi-Ndaitwah was the ninth of 13 children in a household led by her father, an Anglican clergyman.
At the time, Namibia—then known as South West Africa—was under South African occupation, and the seeds of her activism were sown early.
At just 14, she joined Swapo (South West Africa People’s Organization), the liberation movement fighting South Africa’s white-minority rule.
Her determination and leadership saw her rise to prominence in Swapo’s Youth League, setting the foundation for a lifetime of service and advocacy.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to power symbolizes more than personal achievement; it represents hope and progress for women across Africa. Her leadership marks a turning point in a continent striving for inclusivity in governance.
