By Chris Jacobie—Flipside
The door is softly closing on the historic, significant, and eventful Mbumba presidency—the 4th in Namibia’s history—while the door to the future and promise of an equally historic 5th presidency under Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is opening.
Even more historic is the nation itself, which has risen from the ruins and ashes of a 23-year war into a free, democratic, peaceful, stable, and confident Namibia. Soon, the nation will celebrate 35 years of independence and the inauguration of Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Namibia’s peace has endured far longer than the bloody trenches of war. Across the world, on the continent, and in the region, millions would trade places with even the poorest Namibian, if only for a day.
Namibians celebrate their success under the continuous, strong, and unwavering leadership of their past and present presidents: the Founding Father, the late Dr. Sam Nujoma; Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba; Dr. Hage Geingob; and Dr. Nangolo Mbumba.
The fragile roots of trust have grown into a mighty tree under whose shade all citizens have found a place—a testament to leaders who kept their word to each other, the world, and, most importantly, to democracy, the Constitution, the Parliament, and the judiciary.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah earned the trust of the people through a lifetime of duty and service to her party, culminating in her receiving 53,000 more votes than SWAPO, the party she leads.
The difference in votes between her and SWAPO exceeds the total votes of twelve of the fourteen presidential candidates from other political parties. Her additional 53,000 votes surpass the total votes of thirteen contesting political parties, meaning her support beyond SWAPO alone would have made her backing the fourth-largest political force in the new Parliament.
These 53,000 additional votes also provide a solid foundation to mend internal party divisions. It is a remarkable achievement for any politician and a staggering confirmation of the broad, cross-party support Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah has earned. It is a just and well-deserved reward from her party and leaders for her unwavering loyalty and dedication, now culminating in her ascension to the highest office.
Independence is a moment in the 35-year journey of unity and mutual tolerance that Namibia can use to appreciate, confirm, and respect the diversity of its sovereign community.
For this, President Mbumba deserves immense credit. After a challenging year that included the loss of two iconic leaders, a highly contested election, and legal battles, he kept his eyes on the horizon and his hand firmly on the rudder, steering the nation safely to calmer waters, where Namibia will continue its journey under Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah.
There is likely no leader anywhere else who, like President Mbumba, could have so steadfastly guided a nation through these times. Though he is too humble to admit it, his calmness and statesmanship kept Namibia united despite the many crosswinds and unexpected challenges threatening to throw it off course.
Mbumba led the country through monumental grief when he had to take over from his friend and comrade, the late President Geingob, a revered Namibian and international statesman. He managed the challenges surrounding SWAPO’s presidential candidate, the elections during a period of global democratic uncertainty, a court challenge from political opponents, and the passing of the Founding President, Dr. Sam Nujoma.
At the same time, there is no one better than Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah to rally the nation, dry its tears, and look with clear vision toward the future.
Yes, she is Namibia’s first female president, as well as the leader of SWAPO. But she is more than that. She is the 5th President of Namibia – elected by the people.
What self-proclaimed analysts in distant countries and out-of-touch elites fail to recognize is that they were wrong. From their high-rise offices in Windhoek or abroad, where their cellphones cost more than a worker’s car, they have lost touch with the Namibians tilling the fields and walking beaten footpaths in search of opportunity.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah is the President of Namibia. She is a national symbol. Just as she holds Namibia in her hands, so too must Namibians uphold her reputation and values.
She must be protected from political vultures and opportunists who will always be circling.
Namibia has a woman president not because she is a woman, but because she is a leader affirmed by her party and confirmed by thousands beyond it.
If Namibians cannot protect and support their first woman president, how can any woman or marginalized Namibian expect the nation to protect and promote their interests?
Namibians must celebrate their achievements while embracing the challenges ahead. The road to nationhood is never-ending and unwavering.
