On March 21 72-year old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president in the capital Windhoek after winning elections last year that extended the governing Swapo party’s 35-year grip on power.
Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 58% of the vote in the chaotic November elections, which were extended several times after logistical failures led to major delays at the polls. Ndaitwah's inauguration marks a significant milestone in the country's history, however, the new leader will likely face a tough presidency.
In her opening speech, Ndaitwah acknowledged ‘‘the progress the country has gained since independence” but noted “a lot that needs to be done”.
Of interest is the lot that needs to be done, what is it? First, there are concerns about Ndaitwah’s advanced age and her ability to manage the demands of the presidency effectively, which have been highlighted from when she was nominated as a presidential candidate. Linked to this, will be her ability to tackle corruption.
Corruption has been a persistent issue in Namibia, undermining public trust and damaging the integrity of institutions. Swapo has over the years lost the confidence of the Namibian people. While Ndaitwah pledges to grab corruption by the horns, this remains a tough test for her presidency. Tackling corruption will be essential for the new president to ensure the Namibian people regain confidence in the administration. The future of Swapo and stability within her party largely depend on her performance.
Other factors that Ndaitwah cannot ignore include addressing land distribution and ownership contestations in Namibia. The 2024 elections revealed that historical injustices related to land dispossession continue to affect social unity and equitable development in the southwest African country. Addressing these land issues is critical for achieving social justice and economic stability for all Namibians.
One of the pressing and immediate challenges Ndaitwa faces is fixing the high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth. Though she pledges to fix this immediately, Ndaitwah must develop and implement effective economic policies to create jobs and stimulate sustainable economic growth. Youth unemployment has been one reason for the decline in Swapo's support.
The gap between the wealthy and the impoverished in Namibia remains wide. Efforts to promote inclusivity and equitable economic opportunities will be necessary to foster national cohesion, stability and the regaining of public trust. Many Namibians have also expressed discontent with the healthcare and education systems. Improving access to quality healthcare and education will form a litmus test for Ndaitwah’s presidency.
Namibia has also been experiencing environmental challenges, including water scarcity and the effects of climate change which have led to severe hunger among huge segments of the population. Addressing hunger should not only be a priority of Ndaitwah’s administration, but a pressing need that will expose her performance.
In this regard, navigating these complex needs and challenges will require strong leadership, strategic policymaking and the ability to unite and inspire the nation. Ndaitwah’s success depends on her capacity to perform and address these pressing issues.
For opinion and analysis consideration, email Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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