By Victor Angula |
One would very much have to scratch the head for clues and bits of information as to what Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Dr Selma Rainio have in common – the former being a politician while the latter having been a medical practitioner.
Nandi-Ndaitwah is one of the foremost female political leaders of independent Namibia, while Rainio was a Finnish missionary who did medical work in northern Namibia in the 1900’s.
Selma Rainio, also known then by locals as Gwanandjokwe, lived and worked at Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital from 1908 until her death in 1938. She was the pioneer of modern public health services in northern Namibia.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was a young woman when she left Namibia for exile, but returned home to do her service in leadership of the Namibian people. On the other hand, Gwanandjokwe left home (Finland) as a young woman to dedicate her adult life in service of people of northern Namibia.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn-in to be the fifth president and head of state of Namibia – the first woman to hold the position. This happened on 21 March 2025. On the other hand, Gwanandjokwe who was born on 21 March 1873, was the first female doctor to serve in northern Namibia since 1908.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed a young female medical doctor, Dr Esperance Luvindao, to serve as minister of health and social services. Thus, possibly, in following the legacy and spirit of Gwanandjokwe, in appointing a dynamic young woman for the health portfolio, it is the expectation for quality and modern public health services that Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah has decided to step in tune with.
Therefore, to this end, one would say that other than just the 21st of March, Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah and Dr Rainio Gwanandjokwe may have one more or two things in common.
But it is all up to scholars and historians to determine.
In the photo: Dr Selma Gwanandjokwe Rainio (photo from Finnish Society Museum archives), and Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (photo from Namibian Presidency’s Facebook).
