Keele graduate’s rise to President of Namibia celebrated for International Women’s Day
To mark International Women's Day, Keele University is celebrating alumna Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who made history in 2024 when she became Namibia's first female president.
From her time as a student on Keele's campus to leading a nation, Netumbo has built a remarkable career in public service and international leadership, becoming one of Namibia’s most influential political figures.
The country's fifth president, Netumbo graduated from Keele in 1989 with a Master's degree in Diplomatic Studies. She has served in high government office in the country for more than a quarter of a century and is Keele's first graduate to become a Head of State.
Netumbo looks back on her time at Keele with fondness, and highlights how her Diplomatic Studies degree shaped her understanding of leadership, nationhood, and international collaboration.
"Leading a nation is both an honour and a profound responsibility, particularly during challenging moments when citizens look to leadership for reassurance and direction," she said.
"My journey to national leadership has been shaped by Namibia's struggle for independence and by the collective sacrifices of a generation that believed deeply in freedom, equality, and human dignity.
"My time at Keele University remains a deeply meaningful chapter in my life. The university fostered strong cooperation between local and international students, creating a supportive academic environment grounded in mutual respect and shared learning. My time at Keele also coincided with an important personal milestone, as I became a mother during my studies.
"I benefited greatly from the support and guidance of academic staff, including Professor Alan James, whose commitment to students made a lasting impact. It was a pleasure to later welcome him to Namibia during one of his visits while I was serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"My studies in Diplomatic Relations gave me a solid foundation in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. They broadened my understanding of nationhood, sovereignty, and the responsibilities of statehood in a connected world, while deepening my appreciation for how nations protect their interests and work together to promote international peace and cooperation.
"Keele's campus setting created an atmosphere conducive to focused study and intellectual engagement. The university fostered critical thinking, international solidarity, and appreciation for dialogue among people from diverse cultural and political backgrounds."
Netumbo's political career began in 1966 when she joined the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) political party and former independence movement at the age of 14. She left the country in 1974 in exile to campaign for Namibia's independence before returning to Namibia shortly after graduating from Keele. Following Namibia's independence in 1990, she was appointed the country’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During her political career, Netumbo has held the positions of Minister of Women's Affairs and Child Welfare (2000-2005), Minister of Information and Broadcasting (2005-2010), Minister of Environment and Tourism (2010-2012), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2012-2015).
She played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of the rights of women and children and as President of the Namibian National Women's Organisation (NANAWO), she worked with the Law Reform Commission of Namibia, to promote the adoption of national legislations on Married Persons Equality and Domestic Violence.
Looking back on her political career, Netumbo acknowledges that obstacles were present, and that many challenges for women in leadership persist today.
"Women have historically faced structural limitations, social expectations, and unequal access to opportunity," she said.
"Progress toward women’s participation in leadership was supported by visionary leaders who understood early that sustainable development required the inclusion of women. Leaders such as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma, recognised that liberation would remain incomplete if women were excluded from decision-making processes.
"Governments must therefore continue investing in education, mentorship, and economic empowerment initiatives to ensure women participate fully in governance not as symbolic representatives, but as equal partners in development."
Netumbo urges a future where leadership is inclusive, equality is shared, and girls and boys are empowered to succeed together without competition or exclusion.
"I hope to see a generation of women and girls who no longer question whether leadership spaces belong to them," she said.
"Our pursuit of equality must remain balanced and inclusive. While empowering the girl child remains essential, there is also growing concern that the boy child may in some instances feel left behind. Development should not create competition between girls and boys, but partnership between them. Opportunities must be accessible based on merit, preparation, and commitment.
"My advice to young women is to invest in education, remain grounded in your values, and lead with integrity. Leadership requires perseverance, humility, and readiness to serve others. Positions may change, but character and preparation remain constant. True leadership is measured not by authority, but by the positive impact one leaves on society."
