If President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first 100 days in office are to set the tone for her administration, Namibians are in for a rough five years, especially those who bought into her “business unusual” mantra.
This initial period, often a critical window for building momentum and establishing credibility, has instead seen the new government seemingly stuck in first gear, unable to truly lift off a tarmac of inherited challenges and internal friction.
The Namibian Sun daily described her period since inauguration on 21 March 2025 as ‘Bumpy take-off marks Netumbo’s first 100 days’. The Issue is still waiting for directions from air traffic control on the new president’s flight plan.
ROCKY TAKE-OFF
The journey to Auasblick for Namibia’s first female president set off with a faltering start. The election itself, an unprecedented four-day affair due to chaotic polling, landed in court, exposing the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) persistent inability to run smooth elections. This initial turbulence foreshadowed an administration struggling to find its rhythm.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first budget, presented roughly a week after her inauguration, further highlighted the unrefined nature of her transition. It appeared to be a copy-and-paste job from the previous year, conspicuously omitting any mention or acknowledgement of the president’s major campaign issues. This lack of immediate alignment between promises and fiscal planning suggested an administration still grappling with its operational framework, much like an aircraft idling on the runway, its engines sputtering rather than roaring to life.
NAVIGATING TURBULENCE
The President’s mantra of “business unusual” resonated with many Namibians, but social justice academic John Nakuta noted it offered “a glimmer of hope for a departure from past inertia and a genuine commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the nation”.
The expectation was that this would be a tangible commitment, translating into real, positive changes in the lived realities of ordinary Namibians.
However, the administration’s “cart-before-the-horse” approach to critical decisions has raised concerns, effectively grounding the lofty aspirations of “business unusual”. A prime example is the announcement of free tertiary education starting in 2026 during her State of the Nation address. While the aspiration is commendable, Nakuta said it appears that no proper, broad-based consultations were undertaken with relevant stakeholders – including educational institutions, financial experts, and student bodies – prior to this pronouncement. The subsequent formation of a task force to look into the feasibility after the public announcement highlights a ‘cart-before-the-horse’ style of decision-making. This approach risks unrealistic expectations and potential policy pitfalls, hindering the administration’s ability to truly move forward.
The president’s initial Cabinet appointments, largely technocrats, stirred internal dissent within Swapo, with insiders crying foul over cadre deployment. Political analyst Rakkel Andreas observed, “There has been internal criticism from Swapo loyalists who feel that President Nandi-Ndaitwah has overlooked ‘comrades’ (long-serving members of the party) in favour of outsiders or less politically connected figures.”
This tension, if not managed well, could undermine her political support base, further impeding the administration’s ability to gain altitude.
The administration faced an early and significant setback with the resignation of a minister accused of gender-based violence and the rape of a minor, only a month into the term. This incident, which led to a backdated firing, highlighted a perceived lack of thorough vetting for ministers. Andreas stated, “The scandal could damage public trust and raise questions about the vetting process for Cabinet appointments. While the president accepted the resignation, “this incident puts pressure on her to ensure stronger scrutiny and transparency in future appointments,” said Andreas.
Such missteps early on can leave an administration feeling perpetually behind, struggling to recover its footing.
CORRUPTION AND UNFULFILLED PROMISES
Corruption allegations within the ministry of health have been a critical issue, yet the president has remained publicly silent on them. Andreas noted, “Her silence may be interpreted as inaction or a failure to confront corruption head-on, which would undermine her administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”
This perceived amnesty for graft committed in the past, brought about by a confusing statement that she would focus her attention on corruption during her tenure, not whatever came before her, contributes to the sense that the administration is stuck, unable to decisively tackle deep-seated problems.
When rural development minister James Sankwasa openly shouted that the Anti-Corruption Commission was a useless entity, he expressed the frustration many Namibians held over Paulus Noa’s institution. But the minister also went on a regional exposing spree, showing how some local authorities and their dodgy dealings have gotten away with too many indiscretions for far too long.
Sankwasa’s pronouncements didn’t just highlight the inefficiencies of a crucial institution, the ACC, but also gave credence to Landless People’s Movement’s Bernadus Swartbooi’s assertion to Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Sona that her administration is everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
There is no clear message (yet) from the head of state on how to deal with corruption.
Ministers appearing in blue overalls and hard hats may be fine for a photo op, but when they start offloading bakkies and take over the actual running of the ministry’s social media accounts, it looks like it’s not about doing things but being seen.
Adding to the internal murmurs of dissent were the president’s choices for governors, particularly the imposition of Swapo governors on regions that had rejected the ruling party in the elections.
Furthermore, the consistent postponement, cancellation, and rescheduling of major decisions and deployments, along with the president’s consistent tardiness for engagements, paint a picture of indecision or poor preparation or perhaps last minute horsetrading. The president and the Swapo secretary general called a press conference to dispel rumours of discord. The dreaded mutual vote of confidence, if ever we saw one.
These actions suggest an administration that is a day late and a dollar short on all the main issues, struggling to gain traction and deliver on its promises. A major campaign promise, to increase the old age pension, should be swiftly marked as ‘failed’ when the president announced it could not be kept “now”. Such early reversals can leave the electorate feeling that the administration is not just stuck but perhaps even moving backward.
MEDIA SCRUTINY
The administration’s commitment to media freedom, while welcomed, is seen as a constitutional imperative rather than a benevolent grant.
Outgoing media ombudsman John Nakuta stressed that true commitment requires more than pronouncements, urging the urgent enactment of the long-outstanding Whistle Blower Bill and Data Protection Bill, and the immediate operationalisation of the Access to Information Act (2022). These legislative actions are essential steps in solidifying Namibia’s democratic foundations and ensuring a truly free and accountable press.
Yanna Smith, Kosmos Radio news editor, expressed a “wait-and-see” approach, noting that despite promises of accountability, the media has yet to be invited to a dedicated engagement at State House. Smith also highlighted concerns regarding the free education policy, questioning the focus on economically important fields and the lack of a clear plan for job creation for graduates. “My major concern is everyone can study, taking into account entry requirements, etc., but where are the jobs?” Smith queried. The persistent housing crisis, Swapo’s “Achilles Heel”, second only to unemployment, also remains a significant challenge, with Smith placing her money on the Shack Dwellers’ Federation rather than government initiatives for tangible progress.
These observations underscore a public growing impatient, waiting for the administration to finally shift into a higher gear.
LEGAL REFORM
Despite the internal challenges, the president has been active on the regional and global stage. Her condemnation of Israel’s military actions against Iran signals Namibia’s commitment to upholding international law and advocating for peace, consistent with the nation’s historical support for human rights. Active engagement with other African leaders and hosting international summits underline efforts to elevate Namibia’s global presence and attract investment. The visit of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to discuss oil and gas investments is seen as a significant move for Namibia’s economic future.
Domestically, the administration has shown a fresh approach by requesting public suggestions for legal reform. Justice and Labour Minister Fillemon ‘Wise’ Immanuel expressed his aim to “repeal any outdated laws which hinder socio-economic progress” and enhance access to justice. This initiative, encouraging public input to dismantle apartheid-era laws, is a crucial step towards ensuring laws are relevant and responsive to the needs of the Namibian people.
The ministry should have received hundreds of useful submissions, based on public interaction with the issue. The ministry indicated that they would provide feedback to the public on the issue soon.
These efforts, while promising, are still in their nascent stages, representing potential avenues for future momentum rather than immediate breakthroughs.
PATIENCE… THE LITMUS TEST
Head of the media and communications department at the University of Johannesburg, Admire Mare noted that President Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed office during a period of global uncertainty, compounded by internal ructions within Swapo. While acknowledging the challenges, Mare also pointed to instances of decisiveness, such as placing oil, gas, and hydrogen portfolios under the presidency and swiftly dealing with cabinet scandals. He concluded, “She has already made state visits to Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, further cementing her good neighbourliness approach to foreign policy. She has also projected herself as a Pan-Africanist through her utterances on thorny issues bedevilling the continent”.
NNN, in one of her first moves, established a petroleum ministry under the presidency.
Energy expert David Jarrett added that the president has “provided continuity and stability to the sector as well as providing presidential support for oil and gas”.
However, the early signs of the administration’s ability to organise and execute its agenda within the bureaucracy are not looking favourable.
The November Regional and Local Elections will serve as a crucial litmus test, indicating the electorate’s patience for an administration that, despite its leader’s experience and political skill, appears to be consistently late and underprepared on key issues.
The “now, hard work” chant of the governing party must translate into tangible action to move beyond being stuck in first gear and truly deliver for a largely unemployed, hungry, and frustrated electorate.
However, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a skilled politician and an experienced bureaucrat. It’s early days, and the president has already shown she is not afraid to chart new directions and test new waters.
Her own assessment of her first 100 days would be a clear indicator of how seriously she takes her duty to a largely unemployed, hungry and frustrated electorate.
Her conciliatory tone and maturity towards her political opponents at her maiden Sona should stand her in good stead to find solutions that may not be lodged in the emaciated ideas pool and scant numbers on the benches of the governing party.
If only her deployed officials could embody the ruling party’s chant of “now, hard work” as the nation awaits NNN’s liftoff.
