Queens with a cause

Forget the tired tropes of beauty pageants being just about ball gowns and tiaras, Namibia’s latest crown-bearers are rewriting the narrative. With purpose-driven platforms, trailblazing careers, and community-first mindsets, these women prove that beauty is only part of the story.From a creativity crusader to a medicine marvel and a teenage history buff, the 2025 pageant season showcased more than just sparkle, it spotlighted ambition, leadership and heart.Miss Namibia 2025: Johanna SwartbooiVaalgras-born and proudly passionate about the creative economy, Johanna Swartbooi took centre stage on 19 July to claim the coveted Miss Namibia crown. The 27-year-old wowed the crowd at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre not just with grace, but with a strong message: creativity can drive youth empowerment.“I stand for the creative industry,” Swartbooi said. “I founded the #Nu/Goa initiative to equip creatives through skill-building workshops. As creatives, we need to do personalised work that contributes to our economy.”With that vision, she’s not just representing a nation, she’s uplifting a movement.Miss Namibia second runner-up: Tuilika AndreasBrains, beauty, and a stethoscope - meet Tuilika Andreas, the 25-year-old medical doctor from Walvis Bay who landed second runner-up. A graduate of the University of Namibia’s School of Medicine, she finds common ground between clinical work and the catwalk. “Both have taught me to be fully present, to communicate with intention, and to lead with authenticity,” she said.Outside of the hospital, Tuilika runs Wellness Without Borders, promotes youth empowerment, and co-manages POIEMA, a Christian lifestyle store. She’s living proof that passion doesn’t have to be boxed in and that you can pursue it all, gracefully.Miss Teen Namibia 2025: Chantel BoerenAt just 16, Chantel Boeren sparkled her way to the Miss Teen Namibia crown on 18 July, and added Miss Photogenic to her title for good measure. Dressed in a dreamy dark blue ruffled gown, the young star used her moment to uplift others.“This pageant helped me grow and amplify not only my voice but also the voices of my brothers and sisters,” Boeren said.She’s the kind of teen queen who radiates purpose, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.Miss Teen first runner-u: Sylleste NandagoHistory lover, political enthusiast, and national debate team member, Sylleste Nandago is only 15 and already making waves. The Windhoek High School learner took home first runner-up in Miss Teen Namibia 2025 and shared just how transformative the experience has been.“Being part of the pageant community with my fellow queens has inspired me and changed my life,” she said in an Instagram interview.More than just a crownThese young women represent a new generation of pageantry; one rooted in voice, action and vision. Whether through advocacy, healthcare, debate or entrepreneurship, they’re showing Namibia - and the world - what it truly means to wear a crown in 2025.

Queens with a cause

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-25

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Queens with a cause

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-25

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