The President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, said this Independence Day not only marks a historic day for Namibia but for the SADC region, as it swore in its third female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
In her congratulatory remarks, Tanzania's President Suluhu Hassan said the swearing-in of Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first female President for Namibia and third in SADC is a historic moment of pride, as the bar has been set higher for the African girl child.
"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. As you take this new responsibility, we wish to reiterate to you that our government is committed to strengthening the all-weather friendship that exists among our countries. We want to assure you that you can count on our support as President of your country."
She emphasised that President Nandi-Ndaitwah has played a pivotal role in advocating for 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.
"Our countries have been instrumental in emanating issues on women's economic empowerment and gender equality, and as history would have it, women from Namibia and Tanzania formed the centre stage with Netumbo playing a pivotal role as the rapporteur-general with other women at the Beijing Conference. It is no coincidence that 30 years after this conference, these women have lived up to being raised to the highest political offices."
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 and, later, collaborating on an international platform for Namibian independence.
"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 out? I want people to know that Tanzania and Namibia are kin but only separated by the imaginary line of geographical borders. Our two countries have worked side by side in various spheres of democracy; we have sought to strengthen ties bilaterally and internationally at the SADC, AU AND UN. Today our fathers, the late Julius Nyerere and Sam Nujoma, must be beaming with pride seeing that the emancipation of women and freedom that they fought for has borne fruit with two of the great daughters leading the nations guided by their principles."
President Suluhu Hassan also commended Namibians for setting a perfect example by exercising their democratic rights in a peaceful manner, as they celebrate 35 years of independence, peace, stability, and prosperity.