Online abuse leaves Miss Namibia finalists bruised

Several Miss Namibia 2026 contestants faced vicious online abuse in the run-up to last week's finals in Gobabis, with a Namibian Sun review finding that personal attacks against finalists have become a recurring feature of the pageant.

For second runner-up Albertina Haimbala, the abuse came at a heavy emotional cost.

Haimbala said months of criticism, bullying and accusations severely affected her mental health, culminating in an emotional breakdown on the night of the finals.

“My mental health came crumbling down on the night of Miss Namibia because I had spent far too long trying to be strong. For the past six months, I have endured relentless criticism, bullying, false narratives, and accusations.”

She said she continued smiling and showing up despite the abuse, including fresh accusations minutes before the finale that she had bought the crown.

The claims were fuelled partly by her having served as a Miss Namibia judge in 2024.

“Cyberbullying is not just words. There is always a real human being behind the screen, and the damage it causes often extends far beyond what people can see,” she wrote.

Winner Charene Labuschagne also faced online abuse but said she refused to let it define her experience.

“When you step into a role of visibility, you can't let strangers decide who you are,” she told Namibian Sun.

A review of social-media conversations over the past five years found finalists routinely subjected to personal attacks over their appearance, popularity and performances.

This year's comments included references to a contestant's “11k wig” and alleged “sugar daddy”, while another user said Haimbala “looked unhappy on stage”. A video of a contestant walking on stage prompted one user to comment: “She looks like she is stealing meat from the pot.”

Support offered

Miss Namibia public relations officer Prisca Anyolo said the organisation recognised the abuse contestants faced and had reached out to affected finalists.

She said criticism should never cross into “harassment, personal attacks, or cyberbullying”.

Anyolo said Miss Namibia has a dedicated life coach and psychological assistant to provide emotional support and professional assistance to contestants.

The organisation has also remained in contact with contestants through regular check-ins following the competition, she said.

“We believe that caring for the mental well-being of our contestants is just as important as preparing them for the stage,” Anyolo said.