Namibian creatives are hopeful that president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership will bring positive change and stronger support for the country’s growing creative industry.
This follows Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent inauguration as the fifth president and the first woman to take office.
Last Friday, Namibia made history, installing its first woman president, coinciding with the country’s 35th independence anniversary.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise marks a major moment in Namibia’s political history, and many creatives hope her leadership will bring change, especially for the often-overlooked creative industry.
Multi-award-winning musician Lazarus ‘Gazza’ Shiimi has called her presidency an opportunity for growth and unity.
“Congratulations to her excellency president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on this historic achievement. Your leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Namibia, and I wish you strength, wisdom and success as you guide our nation forward. May your presidency bring unity, progress and opportunities for all,” Gazza says.
He urges the government to invest in the creative sector.
“I hope that under your leadership, we can see more platforms for artists to showcase their talents, policies that protect intellectual property, and initiatives that support local and international collaborations. With the right support, the creative industry can be a major pillar of national development,” he adds.
Actress, former Miss Namibia and influencer Odile Gertze has called the moment “monumental,” praising Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership.
“Congratulations to Namibia’s first female and fifth president! What a monumental moment for our country. I pray for wisdom, strength and resilience as she carries the weight of leading Namibia with grace and determination,” Gertze says.
She also encourages national unity.
“I sincerely hope we will see progress in the right direction, benefiting all Namibians. And may all Namibians honour and respect her authority as our president,” she adds.
Gospel musician Naftalie ‘D-Naff’ Amukwelele has called the inauguration a victory for women across Africa.
“Huge congratulations to madam president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on becoming the first female and fifth president of Namibia and commander-in-chief of the Namibian Defence Force. This is a historic moment and a win for women across Africa and around our cosmos. I am hereby wishing her a successful, productive and prosperous term that uplifts the lives of the people and takes Namibia to great prosperity,” Dnaff says.
He also believes her experience will bring about real change.
“I hope that with God’s grace, her excellency and the team she has selected will bring about real changes in the livelihoods of our people. I believe her vast experience will carry us into a beautiful reality,” he says.
Dnaff joins others in calling for more support for the arts.
“The creative industry eagerly awaits her support in the platforms that can contribute to the financial income of creatives, which were for many years not monetised in this region,” he notes.
Creative and entrepreneur Maria ‘ML’ Immanuel has also shared her excitement.
“Congratulations to her excellency. You made history for Namibia,” she says.
Speaking on policy, she praises the president’s move to split the industrialisation and international trade portfolios.
“It will bolster our participation in global economic affairs more efficiently, including the creative industry,” she notes.
ML says the government must focus on productivity and faster reforms.
“Overall, I appreciate the president’s strategy that leverages technical capacity. The key thing to address is productivity and turnaround time on reforming at all levels of government, and that requires hitting the ground running with experience. I’m ready to show my support and contribute my part,” she adds.
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