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On Friday, 21 March 2025, Namibia reaffirmed its significant contribution to Africa’s history by inaugurating the country’s first woman President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This followed the victory of the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in Namibia’s November 2024 elections. SWAPO was re-elected with a decisive majority, reflecting continued confidence from the people in its history of liberation struggle and its leadership of the country. The people of Namibia have set an important example, not only for Southern Africa but for the entire African continent.

Once again, having congratulated SWAPO for winning the Namibian election in November 2024, the South African Communist Party (SACP) congratulates SWAPO and the people of Namibia on this continued electoral victory. SWAPO secured 58 per cent of the vote despite concerted efforts by Western imperialist forces to undermine its success. These forces attempted to interfere through manipulative tactics, embedded media propaganda and the cultivation of domestic collaborators, but they failed dismally. The challenge now for the united Namibian people – like all those committed to the continuation of the African Revolution in Southern Africa and across the continent – is to defend their hard-won national independence, sovereignty and fundamental right to self-determination.

One of the central issues in the Namibia’s November 2024 election was the crisis of youth unemployment. In 2023, 44 per cent of Namibians aged 18 to 34 were unemployed in a country with a population of three million. Recognising this and its implications, President Nandi-Ndaitwah has made tackling unemployment a key priority. She has also called for national unity following the political divisions of the election, which the “Independent Patriots for Change” unsuccessfully sought to overturn in court.

Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasised the need to add value to Namibia’s mineral wealth – particularly its uranium and other resources – rather than exporting them as raw materials. This approach is vital for economic development. She has further identified agriculture, fishing and the creative and sports sectors as key areas for employment creation.

While SWAPO has made significant progress in improving the lives of the majority, the legacy of apartheid remains visible in patterns of wealth and land ownership. Like South Africa, Namibia continues to grapple with high levels of inequality, poverty and youth unemployment. We are looking forward to the success of the Namibian people in making progress and tackling these challenges. 

The SACP extends its solidarity with and best wishes to the Namibian people for unity and wishes President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the entire Namibian government under the leadership of SWAPO a great success.

Issued by the South African Communist Party,