Hiring a private helicopter is much more expensive than what the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) charged for transporting Miss Namibia’s chief executive and patron recently.
The two were airlifted from the Ondonga palace at Onambango village near Ondangwa to Ongwediva, where the Miss Namibia 2025 event was held.
The NDF charged N$11 000 for the 30km ride, with fuel costing N$3 820.
Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu says using an NDF helicopter for the Miss Namibia pageant, which included 15 NDF officers, aimed to create a spectacular experience for viewers in welcoming vice president Lucia Witbooi.
A local tour operator estimates its rate at about N$40 000 per flight hour.
“These rates are determined by the distance coverage, the type of helicopter used, and the number of passengers,” the company says.
The tour operator charges between N$7 500 and N$14 000 per person for a 30-minute scenic ride.
That brings the total to roughly N$40?000 per trip, depending on the number of people being transported.
Gmundner Lodge, located between the Kalahari Desert and the Khomas Plateau, offers helicopter transfer for their guests from and to Hosea Kutako International Airport at a cost of N$33 513, the lodge’s website states.
Sonop Zannier Hotels charges N$23 000 for a one-way two-and-a-half hour transfer between its Omaanda and Zannier hotels.
‘ABUSE’
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) shadow minister of defence Aloisius Kangulu has condemned the use of the military assets for the pageant.
“I express my deepest concern over and absolute condemnation of the recent deployment of NDF helicopters and personnel,” he says.
Kangulu describes the incident as shocking, a betrayal of public trust, and the gross misuse of state resources.
“Our brave soldiers and veterans continue to live with inadequate compensation. Yet we are forced to witness the appalling spectacle of military helicopters meant for national defence being transformed into private air taxis for symbolic prestige,” he says.
Kangulu says the Defence Act of Namibia is clear that the NDF was established to defend the country’s territory and national interests, and nowhere does it provide for joy rides or transport to social events.
He says even if there were provisions for civic support, such use must be strictly regulated, publicly declared and of demonstrable national benefit, not elite indulgence.
“This abuse of power in favour of individuals seeking a ‘Hollywood life’ shall never be allowed to continue under our watch. Namibians are not fools. We will not accept such irresponsible conduct while so many genuinely feel the daily consequences of poor governance,” he says.
FIGHTING CRIME
The Namibian Police also has access to helicopters, mainly to fight crime, national police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says.
These services include pursuing fleeing suspects, surveillance, looking for missing persons in risky and mountainous areas, and any other police-related services, she says.
“The Air Support Service of the police renders air support services to all offices, ministries and agencies upon request, and they are only charged with running costs,” she says.
FREE OF CHARGE
When it comes to natural disasters, the Office of the Prime Minister makes use of NDF helicopters at no cost – especially during flood relief operations.
Office of the Prime Minister spokesperson Maxmus Halwoodi says the helicopters are used for transporting people or goods during flood season.
“This is because we only put in a request and we do not pay for it because it is part of their mandate. What we do pay for is the services of the soldiers, since they are moving away from their normal stations, but that is catered for by their employer as per the request.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
