ONGWEDIVA – The Miss Namibia 2025 beauty pageant lit up the Oshana region over the weekend, drawing an excited crowd and well-known national leaders.
The highlight of the glamorous night was the crowning of Johanna Swartbooi from Keetmanshoop as the new Miss Namibia.
The event was attended by vice president Lucia Witbooi, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus, NBC Director General Stanley Similo and other government officials, sponsors and members of the diplomatic community.
This year, the pageant was held outside Windhoek for the first time in years, bringing national attention to the northern region.
Similo said he was happy with how the event turned out, praising the support from the community and partners.
“Our aim is to take Miss Namibia to all regions of the country. What we saw tonight was unity, talent and true Namibian pride,” he said.
In addition, he praised the success of the Miss Teen Namibia event, which took place the previous evening.
A queen’s journey
This was not Swartbooi’s first attempt at the Miss Namibia title. She competed in 2022 but did not reach the final stage.
Instead of giving up, she came back stronger, more confident and determined, showing that hard work and patience can lead to success.
Swartbooi was raised in Keetmanshoop by a single mother. She holds a Bachelor of law degree from the University of Namibia.
She is passionate about human rights, education and community development.
She has founded the Power to You Foundation, which helps girls in rural areas build confidence, learn leadership skills and understand their rights.
Swartbooi’s confidence and powerful speeches stood out throughout the competition.
In the final round, she spoke about women leading with compassion and the role of young people in shaping a better Namibia. The message clearly won the hearts of the judges and audience.
Her prize
As Miss Namibia 2025, Swartbooi walked away with several prizes.
This includes a brand-new car, cash prize, a house, beauty and fashion hampers, trips and accommodation to represent Namibia at the Miss Universe pageant later this year and a one-year platform to lead national outreach and charity projects.
Her message
“This is not just a crown for me but a voice for every young girl in Namibia who has ever felt unseen or unheard. I stand here today not because I was always confident but because I kept showing up. To every girl watching, you are enough, and your dreams are valid,” these were her first words as Miss Namibia.
She added that, with intelligence, kindness and purpose, she begins her reign as Miss Namibia, ready to inspire and serve her country.
Winners
This year’s Top 10 finalists are from different towns and regions.
They were Swartbooi, Uatjiri Mbaisa, Tuilika Andreas, Melissa |Uises, Ndehipewa Angula, Hertha Iipinge, Yvonne Kambonde, Selma Hanghuwo, Laila Kandjii and Gloria Ndapewa.
From this group, the final placements were as follows: Miss Namibia 2025 Swartbooi, first runner-up Mbaisa and second runner-up Tuilika Andreas.
The top five finalists were |Uises and Angula.
Each of these contestants showcased beauty, intelligence and strong messages, which reflected the dreams and values of Namibia’s youth.
Special awards
Some contestants were recognised for their outstanding qualities during the competition.
Sirkka Ndjoba was named Miss Photogenic, while Angula received the Miss Congeniality title. The Member of the Public Award went to Anita Kambintja of Okahandja.
Uatjiri Mbaisa was voted Miss Public Choice.