22 foreign dignitaries to attend Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration

By: Josia Shigwedha

Namibia is expecting 22 foreign dignitaries, including 10 heads of state to attend the incoming President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration in Windhoek on Friday. Nandi-Ndaitwah will be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president and will be the fifth head of state in 35 years.

Information minister Emma Theofelus has confirmed that 10 sitting heads of state, former presidents, vice presidents, and prime ministers will attend the inauguration.

“The confirmed countries are made up of 10 heads of states, three vice presidents, seven former heads of states and two prime ministers. I also would like to communicate now that because the list has not been exhausted, we continue to receive confirmations and there might be alterations to the list.”

“As it is now, we will communicate the full list, including the countries that will be represented at our celebrations later on today or very early on tomorrow,” said Theofelus.

Information deputy minister Modestus Amutse said preparations at the Independence Stadium are progressing well and encouraged the public to attend. Amutse also emphasized that vendors cannot sell alcohol at the event.

“Of course, vendors are allowed to sell their small things like cool drinks and food knowing that of course during these times people may need some water maybe or maybe a cool drink.”

She said: “Of course I discourage alcohol, that one I don’t want us to sell alcohol at events like that one because we want to do it in an orderly manner, respectful manner and I don’t see us respecting the event with alcohol.”

The Independence Day celebrations and presidential inauguration will take place on Friday at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.