The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has suspended an executive editor of the public broadcaster, Anna Nicodemus, following remarks about president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s health that she made in an interview with South African news channel Newzroom Afrika.
Nicodemus confirmed her suspension to The Namibian on Friday.
“I can confirm my suspension this morning following the interview with Newzroom Afrika. Pending investigations, I am unable to comment further at this stage,” she said.
The suspension follows on an interview in which Nicodemus discussed Namibia’s 2024 election results and public sentiment regarding Namibia’s first woman president-elect.
“It was somewhat surprising for some that a woman has taken over the reins to lead Namibia,” Nicodemus stated during the interview.
She added: “However, concerns have been raised about whether a woman in her 70s can govern effectively and efficiently. During the campaign trail, we heard reports that she collapsed on two occasions.
“People are concerned about her health and whether this will be her final term. Yes, there’s excitement among women who feel empowered by this milestone, but we also need to acknowledge the realities of health and ageing—it’s just biology,” Nicodemus said.
The Namibian has reached out to NBC director general Stanley Similo and spokesperson Beaulah Boois-Beukes, but they were unavailable at the time of publication.
This is a developing story.
