From freedom fighter to Namibia’s first female president
She got her start in politics by taking part in the country’s underground independence movement in the 1970s. She returned from the UK to join parliament in 1990 and went on to serve as minister with several portfolios over the years.
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. NANGOLO MBUMBA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE NEW YEAR 2025
TUESDAY, 31 December 2024 SWAKOPMUND
On this evening of the last day of the year 2024, I am addressing the Namibian nation with mixed emotions, but also with determination and courage. This year has been extremely challenging and one of mixed fortune for the Namibian people. We entered the year 2024 with a profound sense of sadness following the sudden passing of our beloved President, H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob on the 4th of February 2024.
Our governance architecture was tested, but remained firm throughout the far-reaching institutional changes that occurred on that fateful day – a day on which I became the fourth President of the Republic of Namibia and Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah, the third Vice President of Namibia.
Importantly, as a people, we remained steadfast and united during that period of untold grief until the burial ceremony of the mortal remains of President Geingob on the 25th of February 2024 at Heroes Acre. Without doubt, from our collective grief, we have emerged a stronger and much more united nation.
I will remain forever grateful for the manner in which the Namibian nation dealt with that overwhelmingly sad chapter in the journey of our nation. Let this become proof that Namibia is indeed the Land of the Brave and that we are truly One Namibia, One Nation.