Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) announced a new sponsorship for the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (SYMLFA).
The company will give N$250 000 for one year to support the event.
This means MTC now becomes the main sponsor and has the naming rights to the awards. The awards this year will be hosted under the theme ‘Namibian Excellence: Black Tie and Diamond’.
The awards ceremony will take place at Avani Hotel and Casino on 25 October 2025, promising an unforgettable celebration of the people who shape Namibia’s cultural and fashion narrative.
The Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards celebrate Namibian talent in fashion, lifestyle and entertainment.
The event gives local creatives a platform to be recognised and celebrated.
The 2025 awards are expected to be bigger and better with MTC’s support.
The Simply You Lifestyle and Fashion awards were inaugurated in 2017.
The awards this year has 12 categories, namely Accessories Designer of the Year, Social Media Creative of the Year, Fashion Designer of the Year, Fashion Stylist of the Year, Make-Up Artist of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Female Radio Presenter of the Year, Male Radio Presenter of the Year, Female Model of the Year, Male Model of the Year as well as Fashion Influencer of the Year and Diamond Award.
Speaking at the announcement, MTC’s corporate affairs and sponsorship manager John Ekongo said the company is proud to support creative industries like fashion and lifestyle.
He added that it is important for businesses to work together to help young and upcoming talents grow and shine in the creative arts and culture industry.
“The advancement of the fashion and lifestyle industry hinges on unified efforts to promote platforms that empower aspiring talents. When we aid platforms that encourage creativity, innovation and partnership, we are unlocking the full potential of emerging designers, artists and entrepreneurs. A platform such as SYMLFA is vital for cultural expression, promoting the creative arts through fashion and enriching our cultural landscape,” Ekongo remarked.
He re-affirmed the company’s belief that strategic investment in creativity drives job creation, economic diversification and cultural expression.
Through this sponsorship, MTC signalled its intent to continue as a catalyst for sustained growth in Namibia’s creative economy. “We are, therefore, proud to be aiding an industry that embraces harmony and celebrates arts and cultural diversity while recognising our oneness. We believe that supporting initiatives of this nature not only farm a vibrant ecosystem that inspires constant innovation but also encourages the economic pursuit that lies in the fashion and lifestyle industry,” he said.
Helena Ngaifiwa, founder of SYMLAFA, expressed gratitude for MTC for coming on board “This sponsorship from MTC is not just a financial contribution, but it’s a reaffirmation of their ongoing belief in Namibian talent and creativity. Since the inception of the awards, MTC has been a pillar of support. Their partnership continues to uplift and empower the creative industry,” she said.
The awards will be discontinued after two more years, as the idea was to only have 10 series of the awards.
“Hosting the awards is not easy – It’s costly. You must book the venue a week in advance, along with sound, stage and artists. It’s a million-dollar project,” she said. However, this year, the audience can expect a more refined, high-end production, a sophisticated night of fashion, live performances, storytelling and special moments.
This year’s event will truly reflect the elegance and richness of Namibian excellence as per the theme.