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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
human
Ein sex anaa genderfemale Edit
Ein country of citizenshipNamibia Edit
Family nameNandi, Ndaitwah Edit
Ein date of birth29 October 1952 Edit
Place dem born amOshana Region Edit
SpouseEpaphras Denga Ndaitwah Edit
Ein occupationpolitician, minister Edit
Position eholdMinister of Foreign Affairs of Namibia, Member of the National Assembly of Namibia, Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, President of the Republic of Namibia Edit
Educate forUniversity of Keele Edit
Political party ein memberSWAPO Party Edit

Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (dem born am 29 October 1952), nicknamed NNN,[1][2] be a Namibian politician wey be de fifth den current presido of Namibia since 21 March 2025.[3] She be de country ein first female presido.[4] Previously, she serve as 3rd third vice presido under Presido Nangolo Mbumba between 2024 den 2025. She hold various high level political den ministerial position as well as various responsibility within SWAPO party den ein government ova an uninterrupted period of 57 years.[5]

She be de first female presidential candidate for SWAPO (de South West Africa People's Organisation) insyd 2024. Insyd 2017, dem elect Nandi-Ndaitwah vice president of SWAPO, de first woman to serve insyd dat position. Before she enter de top leading position, Nandi-Ndaitwah serve as de deputy prime minister of Namibia from 2015 to 2024, minister of International Relations and Cooperation from December 2012 to 2015, den as minister of Environment and Tourism from March 2010 to December 2012. She be a long-time member of de National Assembly.

Early life den education

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Dem born Netumbo Nandi on 29 October 1952 to Justina Nekoto Shaduka-Nandi den Petrus Nandi insyd Onamutai, South West Africa, today near de border of Ohangwena Region den Oshana Region, Namibia.[6] Ein poppie be an Anglican clergyman. She be de ninth of 13 kiddies.[7] Ndaitwah educate at St. Mary's Mission insyd Odibo.[8]

Nandi-Ndaitwah becam politically active as a teenager, wey e join SWAPO ein ranks at de age of 14. She soon becam de leader of SWAPO ein Youth Movement organisation, wey e fight to end South Africa ein occupation. Nandi-Ndaitwah soon becam a target give de opposition, wey e force am to go for hiding insyd.[9]

Nandi-Ndaitwah for exile insyd for 1973 insyd den join SWAPO members for Zambia insyd. She work at de SWAPO headquarters for Lusaka insyd from 1973 to 1975 den attend a course at de Lenin Higher Komsomol School for de Soviet Union insyd from 1975 until 1976. She graduate plus a diploma in the work and practice of de communist youth movement. For 1987 insyd, she obtain a post-graduate diploma in public administration and management from the Glasgow College of Technology, for de United Kingdom insyd, den 1988, a further post-graduate diploma in international relations from Keele University, sanso for de UK insyd. For 1989 insyd, Nandi-Ndaitwah obtain a master's degree in diplomatic studies, sanso from Keele University.[10]

After de 2024 November election, de University of Dar es Salaam give am an honorary Doctorate in diplomatic and public work.

Ein political career

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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for 2015 insyd

Nandi-Ndaitwah becam de SWAPO deputy representative for Zambia insyd from 1976 until 1978 den de chief representative for Zambia insyd from 1978 to 1980. From 1980 until 1986, she be de SWAPO chief representative for East Africa, wey e base at Dar es Salaam. She be a member of de SWAPO central committee from 1976 to 1986 den de Namibian National Women's Organisation (NANAWO) presido from 1991 to 1994.[10]

She be member of de National Assembly of Namibia since 1990. She be Deputy Minister of International Relations den Cooperation from 1990 to 1996 den first gain ministerial status for 1996 insyd as director-general of Women ein Affairs for de Office of de Presido insyd, wey she serve until 2000, under Namibia ein first presido, Sam Nujoma. For dis role insyd, Nandi-Ndaitwah work for de department insyd to coordinate between de government, private, den public spheres for dey advance government programs top to support women den kiddies.[11] During dis time, dem enact Namibia ein National Gender Policy (1997).[12] Oda gender responsive laws such as de Married Persons Equality Act (1996)[13] den de Combating of Rape Act (2000),[14] wey e recognize marital rape, dem enact'em to improve gender equality den reduce gender-based violence. In 2000, she was promoted to Minister and given the Women ein Affairs den Kiddie Welfare portfolio.[15] For 2003 insyd, dem pass de Domestic Violence Act (2003)[16] plus ein support to protect kiddies den spouses from violence wey dey occur for de home insyd. For 2022, dem publish an amendment to extend safeguards to kiddies for de home insyd beyond demma 18th birthday.[17]

From 2005 to 2010, she be de Minister of Information den Broadcasting for Namibia ein cabinet insyd. She subsequently serve as de minister of environment den tourism until a major cabinet reshuffle for December 2012 insyd, wey dem appoint am minister of foreign affairs,[18] a portfolio since dem rename to International Relations den Cooperation.

Under Presido Hage Geingob, dem appoint Nandi-Ndaitwah as deputy prime minister for March 2015 insyd, while e serve for parallel insyd as de minister of international relations den cooperation.[19] Nandi-Ndaitwah sit for both SWAPO ein central committee den de Politburo top. She sanso be de party ein secretary give information den mobilisation den, as such, be one of SWAPO ein main spokespeople.[10][20]

Presidency

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For March 2023 insyd, Presido Geingob name Nandi-Ndaitwah as SWAPO ein presidential candidate for de 2024 Namibian general election insyd.[21] Following Geingob ein death for February 2024 insyd, dem appoint Nandi-Ndaitwah as vice presido, wey e succeed Nangolo Mbumba, wey becam presido. She be de first woman wey e serve for dat role insyd.[22][23]

For 3 December 2024 top, dem officially declare am de presido-elect of de Republic of Namibia, wey e make am de first woman to hold de position.[24] Nandi-Ndaitwah receive 683,560, anaa 58.7% of de vote, wey e defeat Panduleni Itula den McHenry Venaani.[25] Dem inaugurate am for 21 March 2025 top.[26]

During ein inauguration speech for 2025 insyd, she pledge to focus for job creation top, wey e specifically target "500,000 new jobs"[27] as a policy priority, plus a key focus for agriculture, fishing, creative, den sports industries top.

For April 2025 insyd, Nandi-Ndaitwah announce dat de government go provide free tertiary education for government schools insyd wey dey begin for 2026 insyd.[28] For 27 April top, she dismiss Mac-Albert Hengari as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water den Land Reform following ein arrest for bribery charges top, after he try to silence an alleged rape victim.[29]

Ein life matter

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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marry Lieutenant General (retired) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, former Chief of de Namibian Defence Force. She dey interested for kiddies ein community work den reading insyd.[20]

Dem popularly refer am as NNN, a nickname wey ein political associates commonly use am.[30]

She be advocate give women den gender equality for Namibia insyd. Despite work for gender equality top for Namibia insyd, many of ein critics consider ein beliefs to be in opposition to feminism, as she get a more traditional, conservative viewpoint. For a 2022 interview insyd between EagleFM den political analyst Henning Melber, Melber state dat she no historically support reproductive rights anaa protections give LGBTQIA+ individuals.[31] She sanso be opponent of abortion.[26]

Nandi-Ndaitwah speak to Voice of America to urge American entrepreneurs to develop business activities den products for Namibia insyd.

Ein awards

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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah be a recipient of de African Leadership Magazine (ALM) African Political Leader of de Year den African Female Leader of de Year Award,[32] dem award de 'thought leadership' at de Namibia Sustainable Development Awards.[33] Dem recognize Nandi-Ndaitwah plus an Inter-Generational Leadership Award at de 2024 Nala Feminist (Nalafem) Summit.[34] She further dey hold an Honorary Doctorate from de University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.[35]

De Presido of de Namibia National Women’s Organization (NANAWO) sanso honor am give ein work for improving women ein role top for politics insyd.[36]

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Nandi-Ndaitwah (center right) among de Namibian cabinet meeting plus representatives from USAID (wey dey include Iipumbu Shiimi), den PEPFAR representatives. Oda Namibian cabinet members dem picture include Kalumbi Shangula, Anna Nghipondoka, Doreen Sioka, den Agnes Tjongarero.

References

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  1. ↑ Mumbuu, Edward (16 November 2022). "SWAPO Braces for Vote Showdown". New Era Live.
  2. ↑ "Naimibia Elects Its First Woman President". CBS News. 4 December 2024. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  3. ↑ "Namibia will have its first female leader after the VP wins presidential election for ruling party". KTALnews.com. 3 December 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  4. ↑ Namene, John-Colin (4 December 2024). "Nandi-Ndaitwah elected as Namibia's first woman president". The Namibian. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  5. ↑ "HOME - OP - Portal Ariel". OP. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  6. ↑ "Nandi-Ndaitwah's moment of truth". The Namibian (in English). 14 April 2022. Archived from the original on 6 January 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  7. ↑ Mongudhi, Tileni (21 April 2023). "Nandi-Ndaitwah's moment of truth". The Namibian (in British English). Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  8. ↑ Dierks, Klaus. "Biographies of Namibian Personalities, N". klausdierks.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  9. ↑ Chibelushi, Wedaeli; Frauke Jensen (4 December 2024). "Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: From freedom fighter to Namibia's first female president". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 Hopwood, Graham. "Who's Who, entry for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah". Namibia Institute for Democracy. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  11. ↑ "Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Women Affairs and Child Welfare, on gender equality in Namibia" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2025.
  12. ↑ "Statement by honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah minister of women affairs and child welfare of the Republic of Namibia" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2005.
  13. ↑ "Married Persons Equality Act | Gender Justice | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute". www.law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  14. ↑ "NATLEX - Namibia - Combating of Rape Act, 2000 (No. 8 of 2000)". natlex.ilo.org. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  15. ↑ "Nandi-Ndaitwah Netumbo". Parliament of Namibia. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "PolicyVault.Africa | Combating of Domestic Violence Act, 2003". www.policyvault.africa. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  17. ↑ "Combating of domestic violence amendment bill" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 February 2022.
  18. ↑ Shipanga, Selma; Immanuel, Shinovene (5 December 2012). "Transition team picked". The Namibian. Archived from the original on 28 December 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  19. ↑ "Geingob announces Cabinet". The Namibian. 20 March 2015.
  20. 1 2 "Nandi-Ndaitwah Netumbo". Namibian Parliament. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  21. ↑ Ikani, John (13 March 2023). "Namibia: President Geingob Names Nandi-Ndaitwah Woman Successor". The Heritage Times.
  22. ↑ "Nangolo Mbumba Sworn In as Namibia's Interim President". Voice of America. 5 February 2024.
  23. ↑ "Nangolo Mbumba sworn in as Namibia's fourth President". The Star Kenya. 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  24. ↑ "Namibia will have its first female leader after VP wins presidential election for the ruling party". Associated Press. 4 December 2024.
  25. ↑ "2024 Presidential elections". elections.my.na.
  26. 1 2 "Namibia inaugurates its first woman president". France 24. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  27. ↑ "Historic Moment: Namibia Swears in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as First Woman President". Archived from the original on 21 March 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  28. ↑ "Namibia's new president announces free university education starting in 2026". AP News. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  29. ↑ Tafirenyika, Tracy (28 April 2025). "Mac Hengari's fall from power". The Namibian.
  30. ↑ "NNN to launch Trust – New Era". Archived from the original on 18 February 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  31. ↑ "Nandi-Ndaitwah Likely To Disappoint Feminists: Analyst – Eagle FM". www.eaglefm.com.na. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  32. ↑ "BREAKING: NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, MANDISA MAYA, OTHER LEADERS NAMED AFRICAN LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE PERSONS OF THE YEAR 2025 - African Leadership Magazine". 2 December 2025. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
  33. ↑ Mukokobi, Pricilla (21 June 2024). "Namibia: VP Recognised for Environmental Contribution". New Era. Archived from the original on 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  34. ↑ "VP Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah receives inter-generational leadership award". nbcnews.na. Archived from the original on 2 July 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  35. ↑ "Nandi-Ndaitwah awarded honorary doctorate by University of Dar es Salaam". nbcnews.na. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  36. ↑ "Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Women Affairs and Child Welfare, on gender equality in Namibia" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2025.
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