On the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as NNN, was sworn in as the nation’s new president, marking a historic moment as the first elected female head of state in Southern Africa. While her victory heralds a new era, it also arrives amidst lingering questions about SWAPO’s declining support and the challenges that lie ahead.
NNN’s ascent to the presidency, following her victory in the November 2024 elections, solidifies her position as a trailblazer, joining the ranks of African female leaders like Ellen Sirleaf and Samia Hassan.
However, her path was not without controversy. Allegations of procedural irregularities within SWAPO’s internal elections, particularly regarding her unopposed election as party president, have cast a shadow over her mandate.
“The SWAPO central committee decided that NNN should be ‘elected’ by acclamation. This means that no other candidates were allowed to compete and no vote was taken,” expressed Henning Melber, a SWAPO member and political science professor, raising concerns about democratic processes.
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The vacant SWAPO vice-presidency further fuels unease, with reports indicating it may remain unfilled until 2027. Adding to the intrigue, speculation swirls around NNN’s potential plan to drastically streamline the government, possibly eliminating the vice-presidency and other deputy positions.
Despite these political undercurrents, Namibians are largely rallying behind their new leader. NNN, a veteran of the liberation struggle and a seasoned politician, has built a reputation for integrity and disciplined leadership. “A majority of Namibians are now rallying behind her as the country’s first woman head of state,” Gwen Lister, founding editor of The Namibian, stated.
NNN has pledged to “hit the ground running,” unveiling an ambitious N$90 billion manifesto implementation plan aimed at revitalizing the nation. Key promises include achieving 80% food self-sufficiency by 2028, investing heavily in healthcare and education, and constructing 50,000 affordable homes.
However, skepticism persists. The ambitious nature of her plans, particularly the revival of a national airline, has drawn comparisons to the costly failure of Air Namibia. Moreover, her reported reservations about the green hydrogen project, a cornerstone of her predecessor’s economic vision, raise questions about her strategic direction.
“She is not a mover and shaker. She has integrity and will maintain stability but some worry whether the economy will grow under her,” a senior journalist remarked.
As Namibia embarks on this new chapter, the nation and the region watch with anticipation. Will NNN deliver on her promises of meritocracy and efficiency, or will she struggle to navigate the complexities of her inherited political landscape? The coming months will be critical in determining whether her presidency will usher in a new era of prosperity or simply perpetuate the status quo.
