NNN a champion of liberation, diplomacy and women’s rights

Born in 1952 on 29 October in the northern Namibian village of Onamutai and married to retired Lt Gen. Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a former chief of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, dubbed NNN, is a veteran politician, accomplished diplomat and lifelong advocate for the rights of women and children. With a public service career spanning more than five decades, she has consistently stood at the forefront of Namibia’s political and social transformation. Her political journey began at the tender age of 14 when she joined the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), committing herself to the liberation of Namibia. During her years in exile, she rose through the ranks of the movement, representing SWAPO across Central and East Africa and playing a critical role in international negotiations, including participating in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 435, which paved the way for Namibia’s independence.

NNN held several key ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Women Affairs and Child Welfare, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Minister of Environment and Tourism, and ultimately, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. In 2015, she was further entrusted with the role of Deputy Prime Minister while continuing as head of International Relations and in February 2024 she was appointed Vice President of Namibia. Having also served as Vice President of the SWAPO Party since 2017, she made history in December 2024 by becoming Namibia’s presidentelect and being sworn in as the country’s first female president on 21 March 2025.

She was a key figure in the African Group during the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995 and instrumental in the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000. NNN holds advanced qualifications in diplomacy and public administration and has received multiple honorary recognitions for her leadership and service. Her impact is also felt in civil society, where she serves as patron to several organisations, including the Girl Guides Association of Namibia and the Breastfeeding Association of Namibia. Among her many honours are the Most Excellent Order of the Eagle (Namibia) and the Order of Francisco de Miranda First Class (Venezuela).

My ascendance to the highest office in the land is the culmination of years of struggle by generations of Namibians, men and women, for the political, social and economic liberation of our people.

“My ascendance to the highest office in the land is the culmination of years of struggle by generations of Namibians, men and women, for the political, social and economic liberation of our people,” she said in her inauguration speech held at the anniversary of the country’s 35th Independence Day.

As the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia, NNN committed herself to the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto 2025–2030, the party’s Political Programme and the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. “Those will be my guiding instruments throughout my presidency, as I serve all people of Namibia regardless of their political affiliation,” she pledged.

Guest of honour at this historic inauguration, Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of the United Republic of Tanzania, said Namibians made a wise choice and a sound investment by electing a woman as president. Addressing the president as “Mama SWAPO”, Suluhu said her resounding victory is a moment of pride for the African continent and most especially for the people of Tanzania, describing the day as historic for Namibia, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa.

NNN’s election is an inspiration to women across the country to pursue leadership roles based on their abilities and contributions to society. As she stated, her victory was not a result of gender, but a reflection of merit and capability. This, indeed, highlights the importance of shifting the narrative from gender-based expectations to one of competence and qualification. Her historic election as Namibia’s first female head of state is widely seen as a turning point in the country’s democratic evolution and a powerful symbol for gender equality in leadership.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz