Ramaphosa celebrates Namibia’s first woman president
“Our hearts are warmed by what we have seen. That the role of women has been fully embraced and we also embrace it. As many countries on the continent, we wait for the moment when women will rise to the top,” said Ramaphosa.
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah has long been a prominent figure in Namibian politics, having served in various high-ranking government positions.
Her victory in the November 2024 elections, where she secured 58% of the vote despite challenges with delayed and chaotic polling, extends the governing Swapo party’s, 35-year dominance in the country.
The occasion was not only marked by her inauguration but also the appointment of Lucia Witbooi as Namibia’s first woman vice-president, making Namibia the only African country to have a woman president and vice-president.
Her cabinet announced shortly after her inauguration includes 14 ministers, eight of whom are women, signalling a commitment to female representation in leadership.
