Talent sparkles at lifestyle and fashion awards

Deputy minister urges greater investment in the arts

Namibia’s creative community took centre stage at the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (Symlafa) 2025, held at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on Saturday.

Under the theme ‘Namibian Excellence: Black Tie and Diamonds’, the awards celebrated innovation, talent, and culture across fashion, lifestyle, and the arts.

The glamorous ceremony honoured outstanding individuals in 12 categories, from modelling and design to media and digital influence.

Fashion powerhouse Reinhard Mahalie emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, securing both the fashion influencer of the year and fashion stylist of the year awards.

Mahalie on Saturday said the recognition affirmed years of creative commitment.

“It feels like recognition for the countless hours, creativity, and passion I’ve poured into my work,” he said. “Professionally, it reaffirms that authenticity and consistency truly resonate with people.”

He said he intends to use his platform to uplift other creatives. “My goal is to spotlight emerging Namibian designers and creatives who deserve more recognition. I want my platform to be a bridge connecting local talent to international opportunities,” he said.

The diamond award, Symlafa’s highest honour, was presented to former first lady Monica Geingos for her contribution to youth empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive leadership. The award drew a standing ovation from the audience.

Delivering the keynote address, deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti hailed Namibia’s creative resilience and called for stronger institutional and financial support for the sector.

“What has been most inspiring about this evening is that it reflects who we are as Namibian people – resilient, creative, strong and always rising above,” he said. “Our creative industry is stretching beyond borders, and honestly, we have just scratched the surface and the world is going to know us.”

Ballotti pledged that his ministry would strengthen support for the creative economy, calling it an important driver of youth employment and self-sustainability.

Main sponsor MTC reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the creative sector.

MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi emphasised that the company views arts and culture as key contributors to Namibia’s growth.

“The creative industry deserves more support from all of us than it is currently getting,” he said. “Our continuous support is intentional, because we recognise the socio-economic benefits that can be realised, particularly by the youth who participate in it.”

The evening also featured vibrant performances by some of Namibia’s most celebrated artists, including Salukazi Akwaake, Scarlette Swartbooi, Lize Ehlers & The Mix, and PDK.

Simply You Magazine creative director Helena Shigwedha expressed pride in the platform’s continued celebration of Namibian excellence.

“Symlafa continues to be a celebration of our people, their talent, their dreams and their dedication to making Namibia shine,” she said.

Category winners:

• Accessories designer – Popyeni Jewels
• Make-up artist – Boss Beauty Nam
• Photographer – Leoviich
• Model (women) – Landy Nangombe
• Model (men) – Fortune Lumana
• Fashion influencer – Reinhard Mahalie
• Radio personality (women) – Michelle Shipanga
• Radio personality (men) – DJ Quality
• Social media creative – Regina Miranda
• Fashion stylist – Reinhard Mahalie
• Fashion designer – Kim Matheus.

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