Miss Namibia sisterhood speaks out against cyberbullying of Johanna Swartbooi

Former Miss Namibia titleholders have spoken out against the online criticism levelled at current Miss Namibia Johanna Swartbooi.

They condemn the wave of cyberbullying that has overshadowed her journey to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Universe Namibia 2021 Chelsi Shikongo describes the remarks targeting Swartbooi as “horrible and heartbreaking”, calling them a form of tribalism.

“Are these comments made because of self-hate, jealousy or because someone representing your country doesn’t look like you? This is a shade of tribalism,” says Shikongo.

She urges Namibians to rally behind Swartbooi, rather than criticise her.

“Johanna is already dealing with a lot and really doesn’t need this now. It’s a difficult pageant, and she needs to be mentally and physically strong. Seeing such comments can break you down,” she adds.

Shikongo, who has also faced cyberbullying, shares how damaging such attacks can be.

“I still have trauma because of cyberbullying. When someone says something nice about me, I double-check because I’m used to negativity. Cyberbullying is not okay towards anyone. People don’t realise how their words can affect others.”

She adds that beauty pageants in Namibia often lack adequate support and urges the public to “educate themselves about Miss Namibia before saying anything”.

Miss Namibia 2010 Odile Gertze says the backlash against Swartbooi contradicts the nation’s reputation of diversity and inclusivity.

“I am really confused as to why Johanna is receiving backlash. Sending Johanna as a representative of our country showcases Namibia’s diversity, which should be celebrated and not broken down,” Gertze says.

She describes the attacks as immature and disappointing. “Johanna is a kind, beautiful and hardworking woman. To do this to her is a big no. It’s so disappointing how we as a nation sometimes treat our own people,” she adds.

Gertze urges Namibians to “do better”, noting that online hostility often leaves titleholders feeling unsupported.

“Even if it’s just a handful of people, their words carry power. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” she says.

Miss World Namibia 2022 Leone van Jaarsveld says titleholders often face public scrutiny that extends beyond constructive criticism.

“Cyberbullying, especially towards titleholders, is deeply harmful because it attacks not only the individual but also the essence of what these platforms stand for – women empowerment, purpose and service,” she says.

Van Jaarsveld emphasises that titleholders are “human before they are queens”, with feelings and vulnerabilities.

“When we are bullied or ridiculed online, it chips away at confidence, self-worth and the courage it takes to stand up for causes larger than ourselves,” she says, warning that cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression and self-doubt.

She calls for a kinder digital culture.

“Social media should not be a battlefield. Every word we type has power – we can choose to either uplift or destroy. Let us as Namibians protect our queens, not persecute them.”

Miss Namibia Organisation chief executive Umbi Karuaihe-Upi says she was ashamed of the comments made against Swartbooi, stressing that the pageant embraces Namibia’s multicultural identity.

“Namibia is a multicultural society. Every woman who follows the rules can become Miss Namibia. The pageant is not just for one person,” she says.

Karuaihe-Upi adds that she has spoken to Swartbooi, who remains resilient despite the criticism.

“Johanna assured me that she is strong enough and that nothing will bring her down.”

Swartbooi, who will represent Namibia at the Miss Universe pageant later this year, has not publicly responded to the backlash but continues to receive support from many Namibians urging kindness and unity.

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