Our Johanna - proudly Namibian
From the land of more than three million votes, she stands proudly - Namibian, African and, above all, human.This is how Namibia’s Johanna Swartbooi (28) describes herself as she stands “ready and anchored in my home and reaching for the universe”, representing every Namibian on the international stage of the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand. Born in Keetmanshoop and raised in Vaalgras in the ||Kharas Region, Johanna is proudly Nama and speaks Khoekhoegowab, among other languages.
She carries with her the warmth of the women who raised her and the loving support of a community that believed in her long before she did. “I am not going just to participate, but to represent hope, heritage and heart. Because to stand out is to shine a light for others, and I do not carry that responsibility with pressure, but with purpose,” Johanna says.
She was the second finalist in the 2019 Miss Universe Namibia competition and walked away with the awards for Top Model and Body Strong. In 2021 and 2023, during both the semi-finals and finals, she served as a motivational speaker and volunteer. She holds a BA in Business Administration, specialising in innovation and entrepreneurship management, and also has qualifications in business and marketing management.
In her professional life, Johanna has worked in roles ranging from project manager to senior private secretary to the special advisor to the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Job Creation.
In 2019, Johanna founded ‡Nu/Gôa Accessories and Apparel CC, a brand rooted in sustainable fashion and cultural storytelling. The name ‡Nu/Gôa means “Black Child” in Khoekhoegowab and reflects her deep commitment to identity and heritage. Johanna’s 2023 Vaalgras Collection, inspired by the polka dot attire and traditions of her community, features handmade glass beads and recycled materials in a unique fusion of culture and contemporary design.
Outside of fashion, Johanna is a passionate advocate for creativity as a driver of youth empowerment and economic growth. Last year, she launched the ||Hapo Initiative, a programme designed to equip creative entrepreneurs with skills-development workshops to promote job creation and self-sufficiency.
The winner will be crowned on 21 November in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, by last year’s titleholder, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. Network Media Hubs stands firmly behind Johanna and is keeping its fingers crossed that she will bring home the crown for every Namibian.