Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as Namibia’s first female president and the country’s fifth leader.
Gatekeepers News reports that she was sworn in by Peter Shivute, Namibian chief justice on Friday during the nation’s 35th Independence Day ceremony at the State House.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba formally handed over power to Nandi-Ndaitwah, who won last year’s election with over 57% of the vote.
The 72 year old diplomat has held various ministerial positions and served as vice president of the ruling SWAPO part.
Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SWAPO at the age of 14 when Namibia was still under South African occupation. She was active in the party’s youth league and was later arrested for her activism.
After fleeing the country, she continued her political work in exile. Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, she returned and took on key government roles in foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare, and information.
Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to transform Namibia’s economy and unite the people after political divisions split the country.
She also pledged to create jobs in key sectors like agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries.
