Namibia’s President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has vowed to implement "radical shifts" to address the country’s persistent poverty and unemployment issues. Speaking on Thursday at her first press conference since her election victory last week, she emphasized her commitment to significant reforms.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, set to become Namibia’s first female president when she takes office in March, hinted at potential departures from some policies of her SWAPO party predecessors. SWAPO has been in power since Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
“It’s not going to be business as usual,” the 72-year-old leader declared. “We must take radical steps to address the plight of our people.”
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While she did not outline specific policies, she highlighted the need for land reform and fairer wealth distribution in a country that, despite its upper-middle-income status, remains one of the world’s most unequal nations.
A 2021 government report revealed that 43% of Namibians live in "multidimensional poverty," a measure encompassing income, education access, and public services. The economic disparities are partly attributed to the lingering effects of white minority rule.
Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 57% of the vote in the November 27 election, according to the electoral commission. However, opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change, have contested the results, alleging voter suppression and citing logistical issues such as ballot paper shortages.
The President-elect dismissed the claims of irregularities, saying, “I am not even listening to those critics.” The electoral commission has maintained that the election was free and fair and called on all Namibians to accept the results.
