Monika Amunyela

The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) will sponsor a N$750 000 house for the Miss Namibia winners from 2025 to 2028 as part of a package to elevate the pageant into one of the most prestigious platforms for young women in the country.

The three-year agreement, effective from 01 June 2025 to 01 June 2028, brings together the prestige of the Miss Namibia Pageant, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation’s (NBC) platforms, and NHE’s mandate to provide affordable housing for Namibians.

Under the terms of the partnership, NHE will sponsor two fully completed housing units annually, one for the reigning Miss Namibia (valued at N$750 000) and another valued at N$900 000, as the grand prize for the NBC-produced “Win a House” game show.

In return, NBC will provide annual airtime across its multimedia platforms, along with professional production services including infomercials, TV and radio advertisements, and live broadcasts.

The agreement was officially unveiled on Monday during a prize announcement event hosted by the Miss Namibia Organisation, NBC, and key sponsors. The house, awarded through a ‘Win a House’ competition, marks the first time in the pageant’s history that a permanent home is included as part of the grand prize.

NHE chief executive officer Gisbertus Mukulu said the provision of affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges the nation faces. 

As a result, NHE needs to adopt robust approaches to ensure the company makes a lasting impact on reducing the country’s housing backlog.

“The NHE recently completed 64 houses, which were handed over in Ondangwa, while 30 units are ready for handover in Omuthiya while a further 52 houses are nearing completion in Okakarara and 34 in Mariental. We have also started servicing land for 546 houses in Katima Mulilo, while 172 houses are being developed in Nkurenkuru,” he said. 

NHE is also implementing the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Project in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo and more local authorities are expected to join soon, said Mukulu who added that the winner of the 2025 Miss Namibia contest will have the opportunity to own a fully furnished property in one of these localities.

Miss Namibia Organisation CEO, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi concurred and emphasised the role of the pageant in inspiring young Namibian women. 

“For the first time, our Miss Namibia titleholders will receive homes, a powerful symbol of stability and recognition of their national role,” Karuaihe-Upi said.

NBC chairperson Lazarus Jacobs highlighted the importance of the agreement and praised the forward-thinking nature of the partnership: “This agreement represents a shift in how public institutions can collaborate to drive national development. By integrating broadcasting, youth empowerment, and housing, we are setting a new standard for smart partnerships in Namibia. NBC is proud to lead in this innovation.”

-monikaamunyela@gmail.com