Jaenique Swartz
The 777 Winna Mariba show is set to take the Namibian television screens by storm early next year after years of absence.
This comes after the highly- anticipated collaboration between Trustco Group and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
The announcement was made on 18 October in the capital, where several members of the media and esteemed partners came together to hear about this brand-new and exciting venture of the gaming show.
Nico Mwiya, chief commercial officer of the NBC, highlighted the significance of producing true local content for Namibians to enjoy and delight themselves in.
“The return of Trustco’s Winna Mariba signifies a significant milestone for Trustco and the NBC. This media partnership reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment to our 1.6 million viewers.”
To date, the Winna Mariba game show has surpassed N$18 million, serving as a testament to the programme’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of Namibians throughout its years of being in production.
“The journey to revive Trustco’s Winna Mariba has been driven by the unwavering dedication to enriching daily lives. The show holds a special place in the hearts of many Namibians, and its return underscores Trustco’s commitment to creating opportunities for all Namibians. Winna Mariba is not just a game; it is a catalyst for change,” said Quinton Van Rooyen Jr, deputy CEO of Trustco.
Mia de Klerk, co-host of the game show, went on a journey down memory lane and reminisced about being an ambitious 22-year-old, ready to take the world by storm after winning Miss Namibia in 2000.
Seeing her embark on this journey once again is truly a tremendous moment for the ones who got to witness not only her growth but also the growth of Winna Mariba, as well as the lives it impacted during its run.
The infectious charm and warm energy of her fellow host, Neville Basson, will highlight a true full-circle moment for many Namibians, who fell in love with the show because of the essence they both carry and allowed to resonate through the screens for so many years.
“The prospect of co-hosting Winna Mariba with Mia once again fills me with immense pride. The Winna Mariba game show has an irresistible allure, captivating both participants and viewers at home. Its appeal remains unmatched, and I am honoured to embark on this journey once again,” said Basson.
Aspiring contestants can participate in the game show through the 777 SMS line at a charge of N$2.50 per entry.
The new season is scheduled to comprise 13 episodes, featuring a substantial amount of N$250 000 for fortunate participants.
The 13th episode will highlight something fresh and exciting for its viewers, as celebrity contestants vie for winnings dedicated to registered non-governmental organisations or charities of their choosing.
The excitement of winning on the Winna Mariba show is further heightened, as contestants have the opportunity not only to secure the coveted cash prize but also to potentially double their earnings through an exclusive chance.
Skill and strategy come to the fore in the exhilarating game rounds, potentially doubling the final winnings for contestants who hold a paid-up NBC television license, and/or are patrons and affiliates of Trustco and its investment entities.
- jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com