Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: Meet Namibia’s first female president-elect

Namibia has elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. Nandi-Ndaitwah won 57% of the vote in the general election held on December 3, 2024. According to the country’s election rules, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the valid votes to be declared the winner. As an advocate for women’s rights, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a significant milestone for women’s leadership in Namibia and across Africa.

Namibia’s politics have been dominated by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) since independence in 1990. Although the main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), led by Panduleni Itula, came in second with 26% of the vote in the recent poll, they have announced plans to challenge the results in court, citing allegations of malpractice and technical issues during the voting process.

This situation means that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s assumption of office may depend on the judiciary or a potential runoff. Yet, her win demonstrates that despite high levels of underrepresentation of women in many African countries, citizens still believe in women’s leadership, especially when candidates have proven experience and exceptional leadership qualities.

Who is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah?

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, born on October 29, 1952, in Onamutai, Namibia, has had a distinguished political career. She became actively involved with the SWAPO party at 14 years old. After being imprisoned for her political activities in 1973, she left Namibia for exile in 1974 to continue her work with SWAPO. Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, Netumbo was elected as a member of the National Assembly, marking the official start of her political career.

In 1996, she served as the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. She gained ministerial status and became the Director-General of Women’s Affairs in the Office of the President and later served as Minister of Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare from 2000 to 2005. She also held positions as Minister of Information and Broadcasting (2005-2010) and Minister of Environment and Tourism (2010-2012). In December 2012, she was appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation until becoming Deputy Prime Minister in March 2015.

In February 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah was appointed Vice President of Namibia as the first woman to hold this position. Her recent election as president in December 2024 further solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer for women in leadership roles within Namibia and beyond.

Bracing the odds, the Nandi-Ndaitwah story

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, like every other woman in politics, has faced several political challenges throughout her career. First, she was imprisoned for her political activities in 1973 before she went into exile. Another significant challenge was her initial exclusion from key leadership positions within the party during the 2012 SWAPO Congress. She was overlooked for the vice presidency despite being a strong candidate. This led to speculation and discontent among her supporters as then-President Hage Geingob favoured other candidates.

Additionally, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent election as president has been marred by allegations of electoral irregularities that have raised questions about the legitimacy of her victory and the electoral process in Namibia, potentially undermining public trust in her leadership. Yet amid these challenges, she remains consistent and persevering.

Lessons for Africa

According to the Women’s Political Participation (WPP): Africa Barometer 2024 report, women’s representation in African parliaments stands at 25 per cent. While this figure is encouraging, participation rates in some countries are drastically low.

Here are ten African countries that rank higher in women’s representation in parliament, based on the latest data from the report: Rwanda (61%), South Africa (46 per cent), Mozambique (43.2 percent), Namibia (44.2%), Senegal (approximately 42%), Ethiopia (approximately 41%), Angola (approximately 37%), Tanzania (approximately 36%), Uganda (approximately 35%), and Burundi (approximately 38%). These countries demonstrate significant strides in promoting gender equality within their political systems, with Rwanda leading globally in female parliamentary representation.

Conversely, there are many other countries where women’s inclusion needs improvement. These include Nigeria (4%), Guinea-Bissau (approximately 12%), Gambia (approximately 12%), Yemen (approximately 13%), Lesotho (approximately 14%), Malawi (approximately 15%), Togo (approximately 16%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (approximately 16%), Zambia (approximately 17%), and Sierra Leone (approximately 18%). Namibia ranks highly in female representation, with women holding 43 per cent of seats in the National Assembly. Thus, countries looking to enhance women’s inclusion in politics, especially Nigeria with only 4 percent representation, can learn valuable lessons from Namibia’s approach.

Key takeaways recommended by the Women’s Political Participation: Africa Barometer 2024 report include several important factors.

First, political will is crucial; the commitment of political leaders to promote gender equality can inspire other nations to adopt similar policies. Namibia’s government has recognised the need for women’s voices in decision-making processes.

Implementing supportive legal frameworks, such as voluntary quotas for women candidates, can help increase female representation. Namibia’s experience shows that while challenges remain, proactive measures can lead to significant advancements.

 Investing in women’s education and empowerment initiatives is essential for fostering informed political participation. Countries should focus on creating opportunities for women to engage in leadership roles from a young age. Another crucial point is electing leaders based on capacity rather than gender, which emphasises qualifications and merit. This approach fosters a more competent governance structure by prioritising skills, experience, and effectiveness over demographic factors.

Lessons Every African Woman in Politics Must Learn from Netumbo’s Political Career

Every woman in politics across Africa can draw valuable lessons from Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey, not just as Namibia’s first female president but also from her consistency and resilience in the face of political challenges. This underscores the importance of perseverance; despite facing setbacks within her party, she remained committed to SWAPO, demonstrating loyalty and dedication to her political ideals.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise from a young activist to a prominent leader illustrates the power of education and continuous learning. Her academic achievements and extensive political experience highlight the necessity for women to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to navigate political landscapes effectively. Her emphasis on collaboration and integrity serves as a reminder that building alliances and maintaining ethical standards are crucial for long-term success in politics.

Women should strive to create supportive networks and advocate for policies that promote gender equality, just as Nandi-Ndaitwah has done throughout her career.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election signifies that women can break barriers and lead effectively, encouraging others to pursue leadership roles despite societal challenges.