72-year-old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is a prominent politician and the current president-elect of Namibia.
She is the first female presidential candidate for the ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in the 2024 elections, and is poised to become the first female president of Namibia.
Netumbo has held various significant roles, including Minister of International Relations and Deputy Prime Minister.
Education
Netumbo attended St. Mary’s Mission in Odibo and later went into exile, where she studied at the Lenin Higher Komsomol School in the Soviet Union, earning a diploma in communist youth practices.
She holds a master’s degree in diplomatic studies and two post-graduate diplomas—one in public administration from Glasgow College of Technology and another in international relations from Keele University, both in the UK.
Early career
Netumbo began her early career by joining the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1974, during a crucial period in Namibia’s struggle for independence from South African rule.
She became actively involved in SWAPO’s operations while in exile, working at the organization’s headquarters in Zambia.
During this time, she served as SWAPO’s Chief Representative in East Africa from 1980 to 1986, where she played a vital role in building alliances and securing international support for Namibia’s quest for independence.
Later career
Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, Netumbo was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position she held until 1996.
She then served as the Director-General of Women’s Affairs from 1996 to 2000, focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Netumbo transitioned to ministerial roles, becoming Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 2005 to 2010.
In this capacity, she oversaw the media landscape of the country, promoting freedom of expression while navigating the complexities of state media.
Her tenure included efforts to enhance media diversity and improve access to information for the public.
Following this, she served as Minister of Environment and Tourism from 2010 to 2012, where she emphasized sustainable development and conservation efforts, recognizing tourism as a key economic driver for Namibia.
In 2012, Netumbo was appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, a role in which she continued to strengthen Namibia’s international ties.
Her commitment to public service was further recognized when she became Deputy Prime Minister from 2015 until early 2024.
In February 2024, Netumbo was appointed Vice President of Namibia, marking a significant milestone in her career as one of the highest-ranking officials in the country.
This position allows her to influence national policy significantly and represent Namibia on international platforms.
Throughout her career, Netumbo has been a trailblazer for women in politics in Namibia.
Accolades
Most recently, Netumbo was honored with the ‘Thought Leadership’ award at the Namibia Sustainable Development Awards, acknowledging her contributions during her tenure as Minister of Environment and Tourism from 2010 to 2012.
In accepting the award, she emphasized the collaborative efforts behind her achievements, highlighting teamwork in environmental protection initiatives.
Additionally, Netumbo received the Inter-Generational Leadership Award at the 2024 Nala Feminist Summit, recognizing her influence and leadership in promoting women’s rights and empowerment.
She also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, further underscoring her commitment to education and leadership in social issues.
