Tanzanian president backs ‘Mama Swapo’

Tanzanian president Samia Hassan says president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as ‘Mama Swapo’ during her days in exile in Tanzania, will deliver peace, stability and prosperity for Namibians.

Hassan said this during her congratulatory message after the swearing in of Namibia’s first woman president on Friday.

“My dear sister Netumbo, Africa and the world know you from your days as ‘Mama Swapo’. We have seen your unwavering support; we have seen your dedication to the betterment of all Namibians and your relentless pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity for this great nation,” she said.

Hassan reiterated that the Tanzanian government is committed to strengthening the all-weather friendship between the two countries.
“We want to assure you that you can count on our support as president of your country,” she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah has played a pivotal role in advocating women’s rights on a global stage, such as at the Beijing Conference, which has led to the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action policies advancing gender equality, Hassan said.

She said the two countries have been instrumental in emerging issues on women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, and women from Namibia and Tanzania formed the centre stage with Nandi-Ndaitwah playing a crucial role as the rapporteur-general with other women at the Beijing Conference.

It is no coincidence, Hassan said, that 30 years after this conference, these women have stepped up to the highest political office.

She said Namibia and Tanzania share a history that is deeply rooted in Tanzania’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle by providing a safe haven for Namibian nationals and Swapo leaders.

“Netumbo played a key role in coordinating the support needed for Swapo, serving as a Swapo representative in Tanzania between 1980 and 1986.

“Why am I bringing this up? I want people to know that Tanzania and Namibia are kin, only separated by the imaginary line of geographical borders,” she said.

Hassan said Namibians have set a perfect example by exercising their democratic rights in a peaceful manner, urging others to emulate this.