‘This is what I stand for’
Her return to the pageant is a calling and being crowned Miss Namibia is the ultimate representation of everything she stands for.This is according to 27-year-old Johanna Swartbooi from Vaalgras in the //Kharas region after she was crowned this year's Miss Namibia at a glamorous event in Ongwediva on Saturday night.
Johanna, a model with a degree in business management, was named second princess in the competition in 2019, during which she was also named the winner in the top model category. She will now represent Namibia on the world stage in Thailand in November during the 74th Miss Universe competition.
Johanna is also the founder of the @hapo_initiative where she advocates for the empowerment of creative entrepreneurs and youth empowerment.
Since her participation in the competition in 2019, she has continued to work with the pageant and acted as a motivational speaker at the semi-finalist workshops in 2021 and 2023 where she shared her experience, knowledge and inspiration with participants.
In 2023, Johanna will also offer her services behind the scenes at both the semi-finals and final round of the competition.
One of Johanna’s prizes is a house sponsored by the National Housing Enterprise (NHE). Her first princess is Uatjira Mbaisa who was also the public’s favourite contestant and Tuilika Andreas is her second princess.