WINDHOEK - The historic inauguration of Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the first female President of the Republic of Namibia, is a clear indication of the social and political progress the country has made since independence on 1 March 1990.
"In celebrating this important milestone, we will also indulge in a moment of solemn reflection. The past year has been one of profound loss for Namibia as we mourned the passing of our Acting President H.E. Dr Hage G Geingob in February 2024 and this February we bid farewell to our founding President and father of the Namibian nation H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. Both of these leaders played a key role in shaping Namibia's identity, economic development and international standing. While we continue to mourn their passing, we also celebrate their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to uphold the values they espoused," said Namibia's High Commissioner Veiccoh K Nghiwete at a commemorative event to mark the landmark anniversary in Pretoria, South Africa.
Namibia and South Africa share a complex recent history that has intertwined their destinies. During the German colonial period, Namibia was known as German South West Africa from 1884-1915, after the defeat of Germany and its allies in World War I. The Republic of South Africa was put in charge of the territory now called South West Africa and imposed apartheid laws on the country. South Africa refused to revoke its mandate, which was due to end in 1966, beginning a war of independence that lasted until 1990. The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, in which the defence forces of apartheid South Africa were defeated in 1988, was the catalyst that heralded Namibia's independence.
Nghiwete focused on relations between the two nations and economic cooperation: "We are also thinking about a strong and lasting relationship between Namibia and South Africa - a relationship based on a shared history, mutual respect and a commitment to economic and social cooperation. Namibia and South Africa have strong diplomatic and economic ties. The Bi-National Commission (BNC), chaired by the Presidents of our two countries, remains a vital and central platform for strengthening cooperation in many areas ranging from politics, diplomacy, law, economy, education, health, defence and security. Agreements and memoranda of understanding signed within its framework continue to promote regional integration and economic growth. To this end, 75 agreements have been signed between our governments, covering a wide range of sectors and marking our common bond of cooperation. These agreements not only strengthen bilateral relations but also create opportunities for businesses and investors to thrive in Namibia and South Africa."
As neighbours, Namibia and South Africa have a significant trading relationship, with South Africa being Namibia's largest trading partner, both in terms of exports and imports. Namibia imports 63 % of various products from South Africa and exports 37 % of products to South Africa. The main export products to South Africa include: gold, cattle, hoofstock, fish, pasta, charcoal and malt beer. Namibia's exports have increased by 6.33 % over the last five years.
Namibia is an investor-friendly country with a well-developed financial and banking sector, quality logistics infrastructure for regional and international land, air and sea links, quality schools and higher education institutions, stable telecommunications, electricity and water supply, and world-class health facilities and services.
Road and rail networks play a key role in the development of economic activities between the two countries and the region. The Trans Kalahari Corridor, which runs from the deep-sea port of Walvis Bay through Botswana and connects Namibia to the provinces of North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, has reduced the distance by 500 km compared to the southern B1 highway, which connects Namibia to the provinces of Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State. The southern railway line was restored to enable the mining of minerals - manganese and coal - from the Northern and Northern Cape provinces to the southern port of Lüderitz. The Trans Caprivi Corridor connects the deep-sea port of Walvis Bay with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
South African Minister for Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng paid tribute to the founding President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, for his leadership in securing the country's independence and for his support of South Africa's liberation struggle.
In her message of congratulations and solidarity, Simelane-Nkadimeng praised Namibian's commitment to women's leadership and described him as a source of motivation and inspiration for South Africa, the African continent and the world. Her remarks were met with warm applause as she quoted a saying from Sotho: "Ha basadi ba etella pele, naha e tlala lebese le dinotshi", which translated means "When women lead, the earth flows with milk and honey".
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