A trailblazing leader: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to presidency in Namibia

Posted on by admin

Airtel Malawi

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ascension to the presidency of Namibia in March 2025 marks a significant milestone not only for her country but also for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

She has become the first female President of Namibia and the fourth woman in SADC history to hold the office.

Capital One

This achievement is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and leadership abilities, which have propelled her through the ranks of Namibian politics.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s background is reminiscent of Zimbabwe’s Joice Teurairopa Mujuru, a veteran of the liberation struggle and a prominent politician.

Like Mujuru, Nandi-Ndaitwah was not a combatant but played a crucial role in the struggle for independence.

Her husband, Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a former commander of the Namibian Defence Force, adds to the parallels between the two leaders.

Both women have held various ministerial positions and have demonstrated strong leadership skills.

However, the similarities between Nandi-Ndaitwah and Mujuru diverge when it comes to their party dynamics.

While Mujuru fell out with her party leadership and was eventually pushed out, Nandi-Ndaitwah has maintained her position within the party structure and continued to rise through the ranks.

This strategic navigation of party politics has undoubtedly contributed to her success.

Before assuming the presidency, Nandi-Ndaitwah served as Deputy Prime Minister and later as Vice President, showcasing her versatility and ability to work within the government’s administrative framework.

Namibia’s unique system, where the President serves as both Head of State and Head of Government, and the Prime Minister acts as a presidential appointee, has provided Nandi-Ndaitwah with a distinct platform to demonstrate her leadership skills.

The Namibian President’s role as Head of State and Government, coupled with the Prime Minister’s coordinating function, underscores the significance of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s experience as Deputy Prime Minister and Vice President.

Her familiarity with the system and her ability to work within it have likely contributed to her seamless transition into the presidency.

Nandi-Ndaitwah joins an elite group of women leaders in SADC who have broken the glass ceiling to assume the highest office in their respective countries.

The other three trailblazers are Joyce Banda of Malawi, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

These women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and determination, paving the way for future generations of female leaders.

As Namibia’s first female President, Nandi-Ndaitwah has a unique opportunity to shape the country’s future and leave a lasting legacy.

Her experience, leadership skills, and understanding of the government’s administrative framework position her well to tackle the challenges facing Namibia and drive progress in the SADC region.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to the presidency is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and strategic leadership.

She has become an inspiration to women and girls in Namibia and across the SADC region, demonstrating that with perseverance and determination, anyone can achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact.

As she embarks on this new chapter, the region will be watching her every move, eager to see the impact she will have on Namibia and the broader SADC community.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Trump imposes tough US visa rules on 24 countries, including Tanzania, Nigeria

Posted on by admin

Airtel Malawi

WASHINGTON-(MaraviPost)-US President Donald Trump has announced expanded entry restrictions on foreign nationals from 24 countries, citing “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that pose national security and public safety risks.

The new proclamation includes full suspensions for eight countries and partial suspensions for 16 others, affecting both immigrants and certain nonimmigrants, including travelers and students on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.

Capital One

Countries facing full suspension include Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, and individuals using Palestinian Authority–issued or endorsed travel documents.

The administration cited terrorism concerns, conflict and instability, high visa overstay rates, and claims that countries have not consistently accepted the return of removable nationals.

The partial suspension list includes Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The administration cited a mix of overstay rates, screening challenges, and concerns around certain citizenship-by-investment programs.

The White House said the steps are intended to prevent entry of individuals the US lacks sufficient information to vet, while enforcing immigration laws and advancing national security objectives. Restrictions on some Turkmenistan nonimmigrant visas are lifted while immigrant entry remains suspended.

The affected countries are spread across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania.

Nigeria’s inclusion has raised concerns, with the country’s foreign minister expressing worries about the impact on trade deals and energy partnerships.

Trump defended the expanded entry restriction, saying it builds on his previous policies aimed at protecting national security and public safety. The Supreme Court has upheld similar restrictions in the past, ruling they are within presidential authority.

The move has sparked debate, with some arguing it undermines global cooperation and trade opportunities.

As the US continues to tighten its immigration policies, the impact on affected countries and individuals remains to be seen.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

“Dala Kadula’s arrests a wake-up call on political exploitation of Malawian youths”–Activist Mhango

Posted on by admin

Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Human rights activist Chimwemwe Mbeya Mhango has described the repeated arrests of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) zealot Dala Kadula as a stark reminder of how politicians exploit young people for political gain.

Mhango, a former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer, said the situation should serve as a wake-up call for the country’s youth to steer away from politically motivated violence and instead focus on contributing to national development.

Capital One

He was reacting to a new warrant of arrest linking Kadula to the alleged attempted murder of Frank Kachiwanda — a case in which MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda is also implicated.

“This is a young man full of potential, yet he chose to allow himself to be used by politicians to harass others, believing he would be shielded,” said Mhango. “He could have channeled his political connections into something productive, but now he is battling multiple charges in court.”

Kadula is facing a range of allegations, including verbal threats against Mhango, leading a panga-wielding gang that attacked CDEDI director Sylvester Namiwa and other public figures, and inciting violence on behalf of MCP leadership.

Mhango urged Malawian youths to distance themselves from political violence, often orchestrated by party elites. “Malawi needs young people who are innovative, focused on development, and not pawns in political battles,” he said.

With the shift in political leadership, Kadula is now facing justice for his alleged role in a series of violent acts committed during the Chakwera-MCP era.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Kajoloweka rejects TEVETA board member’s appointment

Posted on by admin

YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka:

Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-A frontline human rights activist and governance advocate Charles Kajoloweka has declined his appointment to the board of the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA).

In a letter dated December 15, 2025, addressed to Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, Kajoloweka who is also the founder and Executive Director (ED) of Youth and Society (YAS) says his decision has been made based on the principles of ethics, accountability, and institutional integrity.

Capital One

He notes that accepting the appointment could potentially compromise, or be perceived to compromise, the independence of YAS and the credibility of its advocacy work.

“It is therefore in the best interests of accountable governance, public trust, and institutional clarity that I respectfully decline the offer,” says Kajoloweka Kajoloweka in the statement.

This is not the first time Kajoloweka has turned down a public appointment.

In September 2020, he also declined an appointment to the board of the National Youth Council (NYC).

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Mutharika returns from private trip

Posted on by admin

Previous articleDriver jailed 3-years lHL for assaulting Immigration officers, damaging government property

Maravi Post Reporter

Op-Ed Columnists, Opinion contributors and one submissions are posted under this Author. In our By-lines we still give Credit to the right Author. However we stand by all reports posted by Maravi Post Reporter.

The Maravi Post

Court orders Chimwendo Banda’s detention while seeking medical attenton

Posted on by admin

Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda on Monday afternoon ordered that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo-Banda be remanded to prison, subject to being taken to a hospital of his choice for medical examination today.

On the issue of the other suspect Alfred Dala Kadula, the court wondered how the state managed to bring him before the court if he was not arrested.

Capital One

He says since there is an injunction restraining his arrest and detention, he will not remand him.

Background

Banda and Kadula have been charged with attempted murder and appeared before the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court.

The State said the suspects were brought before the court for committal to the High Court and applied for their further remand.

However, lawyer George Kadzipatike told the court that the defence has preliminary issues that may affect the decision.

He argued that Kadula cannot be detained as he is protected by an injunction restraining the State from arresting or detaining him in connection with political violence cases.

The injunction was presented in court.

Kadzipatike also raised concern over Chimwendo Banda’s health, saying he has been seriously ill since his arrest on Friday.

He told the court that despite informing Kanengo Police and requesting that Chimwendo Banda be taken to the hospital, no action was taken.

He said Chimwendo Banda has a long-standing medical condition and was referred to South Africa for treatment in 2024, adding that the condition worsened while he was in police custody.

The defence asked the court to order that Chimwendo Banda be taken to a hospital of his choice if remanded, until he is certified fit to be held in prison.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post