Johanna Swartbooi was crowned Miss Namibia 2025 at a glamorous and well-attended grand finale at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre in the Oshana Region last night.

The crowd erupted in jubilant cheers as Keetmanshoop-born Swartbooi was named the winner and cheered her on with a standing ovation.

Born in Keetmanshoop, 27-year-old Swartbooi is advocating for creativity as an economic driver for youth empowerment.

Swartbooi, in her campaign, advocated for the creative industry's recognition. 

"I stand for the creative industry. I founded the #Nu/Goa initiative that is focused on capacitating creatives through skills development workshops to empower them. We as creatives need to do personalised work as an industry to contribute to our economy."

Uatjiri Mbaisa was named First Runner-Up, while Tuilika Andreas claimed the title of Second Runner-Up.

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's Director-General, Stanley Similo, expressed his satisfaction at the successful hosting of the event.

"We are happy to be in Oshana; they have been very good to us and the sponsors, our government, and the stakeholders, including yourself, who make us look great. I always boast to say that I am a short person, but I appear to be tall because I stand on the shoulders of the giants, so for us at NBC, we are happy."

Ambassador and Patron of Miss Namibia 2025, Omunyekhadi Adelheid Nangolo, praised local supporters for attending the glitzy event, noting that it put a smile on her face.

Chief Executive Officer of the Miss Namibia Organisation, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, shared her joy and gratitude, describing the pageant as overwhelmingly successful.

"We have travelled and moved all over to promote the northern party as a tourist destination, and we also have promoted the north as an attraction destination, and our theme this year is when beauty meets culture. We are so happy that everything we endeavour to do has become a reality."

The Diamond Manufacturing Association of Namibia contributed to the event by providing exquisite jewellery, which was showcased during the pageant.

The star-studded occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Vice President Lucia Witbooi.

"In its first edition in northern Namibia, the Miss Namibia beauty pageant reinforces the government's goals for decentralisation, tourism promotion, and regional economic growth."