South Africa's Premier of Limpopo Province, Phophi Ramathuba received applause almost throughout her presentation at the official opening of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF).
She spoke about the resilience of women in reference to Namibia's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah taking office in her address at Auasblick.
Upon taking the podium, Dr. Ramathuba began by emphasising the close relationship between Namibia and South Africa.
The atmosphere lit up as soon as Dr. Ramathuba touched on the celebration of South Africa's Women's Month to start her speech.
The country honours the 1956 generation of women, who challenged the apartheid regime, saying women are natural-born leaders.
Much applause followed as Dr. Ramathuba's speech transitioned from low-key to a high note that remained for the rest of her speech.
She explained that it was no coincidence her delegation, which is in Namibia as part of the Women's Month celebration, found themselves at the Ongwediva Trade Fair – a privilege to share the space with a woman Head of State.
The Limpopo Premier remarked that Nandi-Ndaitwah's positioning as citizen number one did not come about as a favour.
She affirmed her words to the Head of State's middle name, "Ndemupelila", which is loosely translated as "the one who paved the way".
"That prophecy has been prophesised, and indeed, Madam President, you paved the way for the young woman, the young mayor who was here."
She added, "It feels good to say 'Her Excellency' instead of 'his Excellency', which we have been doing for the past 35 years."
Dr. Ramathuba referenced that the spirits of iconic women who are long gone are at peace to see Ndemupelila building a new Namibia, a new SADC and a new Africa.
Namibia has had four presidents, all men, and Dr. Ramathuba said the wind of change in the presidency that swept through on 21 March this year carried a message.
"We must not be interpreted to say we are against the men; all we are saying is simple to you. For the past five years, we gave you this country to run. Now it's our time to show you how it can be run and even run much better."