Nationwide campaign launched to boost votes for Johanna Swartbooi

A nationwide voting campaign has been launched to rally support for Miss Universe Namibia 2025 Johanna Swartbooi as she competes at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand on 21 November.

The campaign, led by Renate Shikongo, aims to increase Swartbooi’s votes on the official Miss Universe app. Shikongo says the effort began when she noticed that Namibia’s representative had “literally zero votes”.

“Since then, we’ve mobilised the nation and built two WhatsApp groups with over a thousand people each,” she says.v“Everyone works together to push the free votes by watching ads, completing tasks and maximising every opportunity the app gives us.”

Shikongo has also created an alternative system for those unable to navigate the voting app.

“I’m running a contribution drive on Instagram. People send whatever amount they can, and I buy votes in bulk on their behalf,” she explains.

“The process is simple: download the Miss Universe app, create an account and choose the voting categories.”

She emphasises that anyone can take part. “If you don’t have money but you have time, you can support through free votes. If you don’t have a smartphone but want to contribute financially, you can send your amount to me, and I’ll add it to the collective votes,” she says.

Shikongo urges Namibians to “meet Miss Namibia halfway”.

upporters have echoed her call for unity. Karoline Smith encourages people to learn more about the pageant.

“Let us stand by Swartbooi because she needs our support now. Together we can do it,” she says.

Madelyn Thorn urges businesses to participate.

“Let us come together and see where we can help Johanna. We are a supportive nation, and together we can help her go far,” she says.

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