By Sarah Baafi
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on Friday, marking a historic moment for the country. She becomes the only second woman in Africa to be directly elected as head of state. Her presidency begins amidst significant challenges, including high unemployment, inequality, and poverty.
“If things go well then it will be seen as a good example,” Nandi-Ndaitwah told the BBC’s Africa Daily podcast. “But if anything then happens, like it can happen in any administration under men, there are also those who would rather say: ‘Look at women!'”
Nandi-Ndaitwah secured her victory in November’s election with 58% of the vote, continuing the dominance of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), which has ruled since Namibia gained independence in 1990. A loyal Swapo member since the age of 14, she played an active role in the liberation struggle against apartheid South Africa.
Despite Swapo’s achievements in improving lives for Namibia’s black majority, the country still grapples with stark inequalities rooted in its colonial past. “Truly, land is a serious problem in this country,” she said ahead of her inauguration. “We still have some white citizens and more particularly the absent landowners who are occupying the land.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to address these issues through “radical shifts” in tackling poverty and unemployment. “It’s not going to be business as usual,” she declared recently, emphasizing the need for land reform and equitable wealth distribution. However, she has yet to outline detailed plans.
Her leadership is seen as a test for gender equality in Namibia and across Africa. As she takes office, Nandi-Ndaitwah faces both high expectations and significant scrutiny as she works to shape a more inclusive future for her nation.
Source: BBC
