Namibians are living in interesting times politically. The Electoral Commission of Namibia has announced official presidential and natipmnal assembly elections results that marked the start of a new era in the country’s body politics. NNN has won the presidential seat with 57.31 %, making her the first democratically elected female president for the Republic of Namibia. The ruling SWAPO Party of Namibia won 51 elective seats in the 96-member National Assembly. From the look of things, the recently concluded elections were undoubtedly the most hotly contested since the dawn of Namibia’s independence. Clearly the Namibian democratic and political environment is constantly shifting and evolving with the passing of time.
Namibia democratic space
The people of Namibia have spoken through their votes, they have demonstrated clearly and plainly that our democracy is strong, maturing,robust and it is enduring. The election of NNN to the highest office in the land has signalled an interesting shift in the Namibian body politics.
A wise man once observed that no one can ‘kill’ an idea whose opportune time has arrived- This is true for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s triumph against all odds. It had been a hard road. Indeed, trying times need courage and resilience as exhibited by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN). It is also argued that tough times don’t last longer but tough people do. After a long journey characterised by turbulence, it is now a matter of formality, NNN’s dream of one day leading Namibia as a state president has been realised. On the 21st March 2025, NNN is destined to be sworn in as the first democratically elected female president of the state of Namibia. Her rise to the state presidency is largely attributed to her deeply enriching politcal career and her leadership traits.
At the last Swapo Party campaign rally held in Windhoek ,the then presidential candidate, NNN made a passionate appeal to all Namibian voters to go all out to vote in support of her candidature and the ruling party to continue building on the successes of her predecessors.
From humble beginnings
Born in a small village of Onamutayi located in today’s Oshana Region in northern Namibia, now aged 72. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) hails from a strong cultural, political and Christian backgrounds. Her story is remarkable. It is one of grit, determination, perseverance, resilience and courage.
Inspired by Julius Nyerere whose political philosophy had a profound impact on her political career in later years. Educated and groomed by SWAPO , NNN firmly believes in the call for solidarity, freedom and justice as fundamental principle to the progress and development of Namibia and her people.
Her rise to the Namibian presidency should not surprise well-informed scholars of African politics. Early in her political career, NNN worked very hard to advocate for women empowerment, she was the first to lead the department of women affairs under Nujoma presidency.
In her political career, NNN has achieved greatness, at home, in the African region and internationally. She fought very hard for the total emancipation of women including breaking societal dominance characterized by patriarchy.
Undoubtedly, NNN has been outspoken voice for women’ rights. NNN led high level delegation at international platforms, notably the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action in 1995.The fourth world conference in Beijing marked a significant turning point for the global agenda for gender equality. It appears as if NNN is now reaping the fruit of the seed she planted many years back.
Compelling lessons for the Namibian youth
President-elect NNN has once again demonstrated to the youth what is possible to achieve given humbleness, hard work, discipline, patience, ethical and focussed leadership.
As a disciplined cadre of SWAPO Party, NNN always believed in leadership continuity and orderly succession,this ties in well with the hierarchical structure of SWAPO Party politics. NNN has been an effective team player throughout her political career, both in exile and back at home. Put differently, the leadership style required by SWAPO Party and Namibia as a whole in the current political realm can be traced in the leadership traits of NNN
Throughout her politcial career , Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has exhibited ethical leadership which is critical for public trust. As a leader of note, NNN has excelled with flying colours and rose through the ranks to become the country’s Vice President, the highest office ever to be occupied by a female in Namibia. NNN is an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician who has been recognised for her high achievements in public service, both locally and internationally.
As from now up until the presidential inauguration ceremony on 21st March 2025, people are free to address NNN as Madam President-elect! Some may simply prefer to say good day Your Excellency!
NNN possesses the most essential qualities and ingredients of a good leader, such as high integrity and accountability. Her track record in both the Swapo Party and Government demonstrates her strong attributes of integrity and clean governance. This is what she hopes to promote within the collective as we continue to build a responsive and reputable capable development state amongst the nations of the world.She undercored her team to the theme lf te Swapo Party Manifesto which reads “ Unity in Deversity,Natural Resources Beneficiation,Youth Empoernment, Sustainable Development.”
What does the win for NNN mean for Namibia ?
The election of NNN as President of Namibia marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. As the first woman to hold the highest office in the land, her leadership brings fresh hope, not just for gender equality but also for the revitalization of Namibia’s economic and social landscape. By electing the first female president, Namibia has raised the bar in Southern Africa region, and other countries may draw inspiriation from it.
Her miraculous rise to the highest office in the land is not an end in itself. NNN is now faced with a daunting task of putting out a good strategy that demands choices and state priorities that will in the end define her presidential legacy as she prepares her first term in office. President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is now faced with a daunting responsibility to form a government comprises of high-performance team to tackle the most difficult challenges facing the Namibian people. Truth be told , African societies are presently yearning for ethical and visionary leadership driven by result oriented outcomes in terms of service delivery.
The Road ahead
A lot of work awaits the next Government to help pull the vulnerable people out of the morass of poverty and continue to building a capable , stable, developed and prosperous state of Namibia .Many Namibians face multiple socio-economic challenges which requires an effective and reponsive government.It would appear as if the commom dinomination emanating from the just eneded presidential and and national assembly elections, is that most Namibians are in distress due to lack of socio-economic opportunities, and expect a high performance team chosen based on merit and strong credentails to meet the urgent tasks at hand.
It is highly likely that the hall mark of her presidency amongst other things shall be defined by ethical leadership, effective service delivery, result-driven outcomes and may demand accountability from her appointees who serve at her behest.
Her next accomplishments shall be measured by the extent to which tangible progress shall be made to improve living conditions of all Namibians under her presidency. Will this usher in the new era of progress for Namibia ?Only time will tell.
Fluksman Samuehl is a former member of parliament and scholar of international relations and strategic studies.The views expressed here are his own.
