Namibia welcomes first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Namibia has officially welcomed its first female head of state, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was sworn in on Friday. 

She commented on her position during an interview with BBC's Africa Daily podcast, stating, "If things go well then it will be seen as a good example. But if anything then happens, like it can happen in any administration under men, there are also those who would rather say: 'Look at women!'"

The 72-year-old politician secured victory in the November elections with 58 percent of the votes. She has been a devoted member of the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo), the ruling party since Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Nandi-Ndaitwah joined Swapo at the young age of 14, when it was still a liberation movement opposing the white-minority rule in South Africa.

Despite the progress made by Swapo, the remnants of apartheid continue to impact wealth distribution and land ownership patterns in Namibia. "Truly, land is a serious problem in this country," she acknowledged ahead of her inauguration. "We still have some white citizens and more particularly the absent land owners who are occupying the land."

As Namibia’s new leader, Nandi-Ndaitwah aspires to be evaluated on her accomplishments. "It is a good thing that we as countries are realizing that just as men [can do], women can also hold the position of authority," she asserted, positioning herself as a role model for future generations of female leaders.