After being sworn in as his fifth president on Friday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to continue to promote economic independence, better healthcare, housing and education.
She has a small crowd due to the rain, but coincides with the country’s 35th independence celebration.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has also committed to strengthening efforts to improve agriculture for food security.
“As the former president said, you can’t respect someone who can’t feed themselves,” she said.
She said she would make sure the unfinished agenda of financial liberation moves forward for everyone.
“All people in Namibia are worth more, regardless of their political affiliation. The SWAPO Congress has made a bold decision to amend the constitution to provide 50/50 representation on all leadership,” she said.
She also promised to eradicate corruption.
“As a student at Mwarim Nierele, he said that corruption must be treated as treason. My inauguration today takes place in the background of the foundations laid down by my predecessor,” she said.
She added that the progress made by Namibia is a collective effort of all the arms of the government.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that women are capable leaders.
“Education and training remains a priority. We need to continue to produce human resources that can effectively manage our economy. Furthermore, access to quality health care is a right that all Namibians must continue to enjoy despite their social status,” she said.
She also promised to increase investment in infrastructure development.
Nandi-Ndaitwah won the 2024 election after securing more than 52% of the votes.
She became Vice President after the death of President Haj Jingob in February 2024, and before that she was Deputy Prime Minister.
She also worked for the ministries of international relations and cooperation, as well as tourism.
