Nicknamed NNN, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has etched her name in history as Namibia’s first female president, a groundbreaking milestone in the nation’s politics.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured a decisive victory, earning over 57% of the vote against her closest rival, Panduleni Itula, who managed 26%, according to the electoral commission. However, her triumph has not come without contention. Itula has rejected the results, labeling the election as “deeply flawed” due to logistical challenges and an extended polling period in certain regions. His party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), has vowed to challenge the outcome in court.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to power is the culmination of a life defined by resilience, service, and a steadfast commitment to Namibia’s progress. From fighting colonial oppression to championing women’s rights, her journey reflects her unwavering dedication to her country.
Early Life: Roots of a Revolutionary
Born in 1952 in Onamutai, a village in northern Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah was the ninth of 13 children in a family led by an Anglican clergyman. At the time, Namibia, then South West Africa, was under South African occupation, an era marked by systemic oppression.
Her activism began early. At just 14, she joined Swapo, the liberation movement opposing South Africa’s white-minority rule. As a leader in Swapo’s Youth League, she embraced the fight for independence, putting her personal ambitions aside. “Politics came in just because of the circumstances. I should have become maybe a scientist,” she reflected in an interview this year.
Her activism came at a cost. While still in high school, she was arrested and detained during a crackdown on Swapo members. This experience cemented her resolve to leave the country and continue her fight in exile.
Exile and Education: Forging a Leader
Fleeing Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah found refuge in Zambia and Tanzania, where she continued organizing with Swapo. Her journey later took her to the UK, where she earned a degree in International Relations. These experiences broadened her perspective and deepened her commitment to her nation’s liberation.
In 1988, after 14 years in exile, Nandi-Ndaitwah witnessed a historic breakthrough: South Africa agreed to Namibia’s independence. She returned home, ready to contribute to the nation-building process under Swapo’s leadership.
A Trailblazer in Politics
Nandi-Ndaitwah quickly became a key figure in Namibia’s post-independence government, holding various ministerial positions across foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare, and information. Her advocacy for women’s rights set her apart. In 2002, she successfully championed the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, overcoming resistance from male colleagues and reminding them of Swapo’s anti-sexism stance.
Despite operating within a traditionally male-dominated political culture, Nandi-Ndaitwah continued to rise, becoming vice president earlier this year. Her leadership style—pragmatic and action-oriented—earned her widespread respect. As she once stated, “I am an implementer, not a storyteller.”
A Personal Touch
Beyond politics, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a family woman. She is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a former chief of Namibia’s defense forces, and together they have three sons.
A Visionary Leader
As president, Nandi-Ndaitwah promises to steer Namibia toward economic transformation while building on her legacy of gender equality and justice. Her story is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the enduring fight for a better future.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.