The newly unveiled Miss Namibia 2025 crown has drawn mixed public reaction, with critics questioning its design despite its symbolic references to national identity.
Many social media users were not impressed with its look.
This year’s Miss Namibia pageant took place on 19 July at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre in the Oshana region.
Johanna Swartbooi was crowned as Miss Namibia 2025, while Uatjiri Mbaisa was named first runner-up and Tuilika Andreas second runner-up.
Following the event, images of the crown began circulating online, with some users questioning its design.
The crown was created by designer Jack du Toit, who explained it was meant to reflect Namibia’s identity and heritage.
“We wanted to design a crown that speaks of Namibia and its people – something with an African feel,” he says.
The crown is made of silver, rose gold, and diamonds, and is said to be worth around N$65 000.
“The silver is decorated with rose gold to represent the red Namibian soil. In the centre is a spearhead, because we are the ‘Land of the Brave’. On each side, we added decorated elephant tusks to show strength,” he says.
Du Toit says the 11 bigger diamonds represent the country’s ethnic groups, while the smaller ones symbolise Namibia’s natural wealth.
The artist has worked with the Miss Namibia Organisation before.
“I have made the previous crown, and I’ve also created some of the gifts past contestants took to Miss Universe,” he says.
Still, not everyone is pleased with this year’s result.
Edward Shikongo, a pageant follower, says he appreciates the spearhead detail but still finds the crown disappointing.
“I understand the meaning of the spearhead, but what is the crown really about this year?” he asks.
“It looks very unattractive. More could have been done – there was enough time. I think the design is not doing the hard work that went into organising the show justice, especially with the new prizes introduced this year.”
Another social media user, Glenda Geirises, compares the crown to the Miss Teen Namibia crown and says the latter was more appealing.
“Why is the Miss Namibia crown so unattractive, while the Miss Teen crown is so beautiful? Our new queen would have looked more stunning in something elegant. Those six empty circle shapes in front confuse me – it doesn’t look creative at all,” she says.
Geirises says a crown plays a big role in the overall image of the pageant.
“I hope next year’s crown will be more impressive. Crowns should reflect creativity and beauty,” she says.
Miss Namibia Organisation chief executive Umbi Karuaihe-Upi says the old crown, which was retired this year, had been in use for about 30 years.
“I love the new crown, because it is unique and beautiful,” said Karuaihe-Upi.
Miss Namibia 2025 Johanna Swartbooi
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