By Kledura Imalwa
Guess what? It is our first female president’s birthday week! After the gesture of a 100 roses, I found myself being asked repeatedly: “How should we celebrate Madam President’s birthday?”
Mr. Absai, a photographer from State House, suggested, “I would love to celebrate her through a collection of photos.” I thought it was a brilliant idea to tell her story through images captured during her years of service, even including some from her days as a youth activist.
Another person, reflecting on the gesture of the 100 roses, said, “That’s was such a beautiful gesture. Since she took over at State House, we’ve felt seen and valued, but we just never thought to show our appreciation.”
That made me pause and reflect. What is the best way to celebrate a leader like Her Excellency, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah?
After pondering for a while, one question came to mind: what does our President love most? If we were to ask ourselves what is in her heart when she wakes up and goes to bed each day, the answer, I believe is simple; Namibia and her people. She is a proud Pan-Africanist who carries the aspirations of this nation and continent with deep commitment.
So, what then is the best birthday gift we can give her?
Not material gifts, but national action.
Let us move beyond the material. Our President does not need a full-page corporate feature if your company does not pay taxes or your employees lack proper protective equipment. The greatest gift we can give her is genuine service, true patriotism, and purposeful action. Deliver on the mandate you are entrusted to serve.
Each Namibian young or old, student or professional, employed or unemployed has a role to play. The most meaningful celebration would be for all of us to serve Namibia diligently in our various capacities, with integrity and compassion.
Students should commit to their education and pursue excellence relentlessly. Entrepreneurs should plough back into their communities and empower others as they rise. Public servants must serve with a heart for the people and lead with integrity.
Every citizen, whether a taxi driver, nurse, vendor, teacher, or artist, should contribute meaningfully to our national progress.
Recently I had the privilege of attending the inaugural NamPPF, and honestly the room felt her commitment to lead and transform our great nation. In her words, “I want to lead a nation of business unusual.”
She continued to say that “we can have many of such meetings but we will be measured by the outcomes and how they impact livelihoods of the Namibian people.”She also emphasized that unity can turn the impossible into possible, echoing our founding father’s famous words, “United we stand, divided we fall.” I wish the whole nation had been in that room to witness who they voted for, because I, for one, will never regret my choice.
On the day of her birthday, 29 October, I call upon all Namibians especially those with access to social media to write a personal pledge. This is an invitation to commit to being better citizens, better human beings, and active participants in our shared future.
A pledge could be as simple as promising to be kinder on the roads, to respect colleagues and employees, to be punctual, to deliver on your mandate, to support local businesses, or to love and uplift one’s family. It should be posted in this format:
I, Kledura Imalwa, pledge to be an advocate for women’s inclusion in critical industries. Happy Birthday, Madam President. We love you! Long live the Land of the Brave. #NNNbirthdaywishes #pledge
To mark this special occasion, women are encouraged to wear the official dress and scarf in honor of the President, while men will be led by the First Gentleman in a show of solidarity and unity. Let us make this a birthday celebration like no other not just in flowers or words, but in actions that uplift our nation and echo the values our President stands for.
Happy Birthday, Madam President. Namibia celebrates you with love, respect, and commitment. In closing, Modhikwa kamuna ooproblem!!
