Namibia’s vice-president Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as the country’s new president on February 4 shortly after announcing President Hage Geingob’s death.
Geingob, 82, passed away on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he was being treated for cancer. He had been president since 2015 and was serving his final term.
Mbumba was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, officially becoming Namibia’s fourth president until March 2025, when a new leader is set to take over.
In March 2023, former President Geingob named Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as his successor and the candidate for the ruling Swapo party in Namibia’s 2024 general elections, scheduled for November 27.
Acceptance speech by President Nangolo Mbumba
Fellow Namibians.
I accept with humility, the noble assignment bestowed upon me, that of appointment as the President of the Republic of Namibia, in accordance with Article 29 read together with Article 34 of the Namibian Constitution.
I take on this heavy mantle, cognisant of the weight of this responsibility, to serve all the People of the Republic of Namibia with utmost dedication and commitment, in the service of all citizens of the Namibian House.
I undertake to continue building on the excellent foundation established by the Founding Father, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the Former President Dr.Hifikepunye Pohamba, and our beloved President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob – May His Soul Rest in Peace. [Let us please observe a minute of silence in his Honour].
The Legacy Continues.
It is poignant and reassuring to note that today, even in this time of loss, our Nation remains calm and stable. This is owing to the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob, who was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution and the champion of our Governance Architecture, based on stable Processes, Systems and institutions, that are guiding us today.
Fellow Namibians, as I assume the Office of the President, a vacancy is created in the Office of the Vice President. After due consultations, I have the pleasure to announce the appointment of Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, with immediate effect.
During this difficult period of mourning, I urge all Namibians to remain united and to keep the bereaved Family in our prayers.
Long Live the Republic of Namibia, Long Live.
I thank you!
Nangolo Mbumba a short biography
- Born on 15 August 1941 in Olukonda, Namibia
- He is married to Sustjie Mbumba (nee Rehoboth)
- Mbumba graduated with a BSc in 1973 and later an MSc in Biology from the Southern Connecticut State University in the USA
- He taught at the Harlem Preparatory School in New York City
- Mbumba returned to Africa in 1978 and became the Head of the Science Department at the Namibia Education Center in Cuanza Sul, Angola, and later the Principal in 1980 until 1985
- He was SWAPO’s Deputy Secretary for Education and Culture from 1985 to 1987
- Mbumba was Personal Secretary to SWAPO President Sam Nujoma from 1987
- He was the joint administrator of Walvis Bay during its handover in 1994
- Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993 – 1996)
- Minister of Finance (1996 – 2003)
- Minister of Information and Broadcasting (2003 – 2005)
- Minister of Education (2005 – 2010)
- Minister of Safety and Security (2010 – 2012)
- SWAPO Secretary General (2012 – present)
- Namibia’s first Vice President (2018 – 2024)
- President of Namibia (4 February 2024 – present)
Pictures of Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba’s inauguration
