Newly crowned Miss Namibia 2025 Johanna Swartbooi says she is humbled and deeply grateful for the support she received on her journey to winning the national title.
Originally from Vaalgras in the //Kharas region and now based at Osona Village near Okahandja, Swartbooi says her pursuit of the Miss Namibia crown began in 2019, and the road has not always been easy.
“I am genuinely overwhelmed with joy for the support I’ve received from the Namibian people – from the very first time I entered Miss Namibia in 2019,” she says.
Swartbooi is one of two recipients with a N$20 000 sponsorship from the National Youth Council (NYC) of Namibia to assist her with preparations for the pageant.
Speaking to The Namibian recently, NYC’s head of corporate communications and marketing, Brian Prince, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to empowering young people.
“We are happy that she won. With the availability of resources, the youth council remains committed to supporting all youth-focused and uplifting initiatives. This aligns with our mandate,” he said.
Prince encouraged other young people to approach the council for support.
Swartbooi says the financial backing played a key role in her success.
“Getting help from the NYC really boosted my confidence. It enabled me to walk onto that stage prepared and proud,” she says.
A CREATIVE VISSION
Swartbooi runs a youth-focused initiative aimed at empowering young creatives in Namibia. She regularly hosts workshops teaching youth how to create beauty accessories, while also leading roundtable discussions around the structure and development of the country’s creative industries.
“My goal is to address the lack of research and development in our creative space,” she says. “We need better systems that allow artists to work professionally and sustainably.”
Swartbooi says her long-term mission is to end inequality in the creative sector.
“I don’t want to hear the term ‘struggling artist’ anymore,” she says.
Looking ahead, Swartbooi has her eyes on the international stage.
“The intention is to go to Miss Universe – and bring the crown back to Namibia.”
To those who didn’t walk away with the crown, Swartbooi has a message of encouragement.
“This is not the end of anyone’s journey. In fact, it’s just the beginning. The exposure we received as finalists is out of this world. I urge my sisters to build on that and pursue their dreams relentlessly,” she says.
GAME CHANGING PRIZES
Swartbooi’s win comes at a time when the Miss Namibia Organisation (MNO) has significantly increased the stakes for titleholders. This year’s winner walks away with prizes valued at nearly N$1 million – including a fully furnished house and a new car.
In a historic move, the MNO partnered with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) to award the winner a permanent home valued at N$750 000. The house will be situated in one of NHE’s new developments, such as Ondangwa, Mariental or Okakarara, depending on availability.
NBC board chairperson Lazarus Jacobs hails the collaboration as a national development initiative, stating: “Giving a home to Miss Namibia is a statement about the value of young women in leadership and their role in shaping Namibia’s future.”
Additional rewards include cash prizes, sponsored lifestyle packages, and a monthly stipend of N$3 000 during the winner’s reign. The top 10 finalists also receive monetary awards and training in public speaking, personal development and grooming.
Miss Namibia chief executive Umbi Karuaihe-Upi says the updated prizes aim to equip the winner for meaningful advocacy.
“These rewards aren’t just symbolic. They are strategic tools to help Miss Namibia represent our country confidently and drive social change,” she says.
Swartbooi agrees: “This platform has already changed my life. I now have the responsibility, and the means, to inspire, uplift and lead.”
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