'Shithole' video seen by millions

The cheeky video about 'shithole' Namibia that pokes fun at American president Donald Trump has already reached more than 670 million people across the world. After Trump's derogatory remark on Haiti and African countries, local tourism company Gondwana Collection roped in the local producer and artist EES to make a video clip on the most beautiful 'shithole' country in Africa. Stunning pictures of animals and scenery show Namibia at its best while a Trump voice imitator is used for the narration.Gondwana said in a statement that it was gobsmacked by how many people have viewed its video clip on 'shithole' Namibia. According to Gondwana, this has been one of the most successful destination marketing campaigns for Namibia since independence in 1990.It said the video has proved to be an effective marketing tool for the country and is a prime example of the power of the internet and social media. The British company Meltwater, which monitors and analyses Gondwana's online presence, congratulated Gondwana saying: “Amazing to see that the video picked up 1 140 editorial articles.” It was seen by 662 million people in 45 countries and in nine different languages. This, in addition to 13 million users of social media.”On YouTube the video has received 462 307 views since 12 January. Manni Goldbeck, the brand and marketing director of the Gondwana Collection expressed the hope that the video will make the global public see the beautiful side of Africa. “Namibia is politically stable. “Its cultural diversity, unique fauna and flora and breath-taking landscapes, together with one of the most progressive environmental legislation in the world, make Namibia a top travel destination,” he said. The video invites US citizens to “come to shithole Namibia, one of the best shithole countries out there.”It then lists “shithole” features of the country, like its abundant wildlife, natural beauty, conservation areas, and even an outdoor toilet.However, the narrator does not just poke fun at Trump. The clip drops a load of trivia for the viewer, including facts on Namibia's conservation efforts, its ancient Namib Desert and the threat of global warming on the country and the world at large. One section says: “It's really tough out here, but shithole Namibia has over 300 days of sunshine and our lodges are situated in such a way that one has the perfect view over this beautiful shithole.” In total the video uses the slur 16 times. Trump has denied that he used the word. The film ends with a brief clip showing Trump's apparent ignorance of African countries, in which he mispronounces Namibia's name as “Nambia.”Gondwana last year also made a video making fun of Trump for mispronouncing Namibia's name. Gondwana combines its hospitality business with nature conservation and social commitment in a sustainable manner. The company today includes four private nature parks and 18 quality accommodation offerings across Namibia's key tourist attractions. ELLANIE SMIT

'Shithole' video seen by millions

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-30

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'Shithole' video seen by millions

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-30

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