Windhoek, Namibia – Trustco Group Holdings Ltd (Trustco) and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) celebrate the resounding success of the first season of their highly-anticipated television game show, Winna Mariba. Since its launch on October 18, 2023, this collaboration has captivated Namibian audiences, culminating in a memorable 13th episode celebrity finale that aired on May 29, 2024.
Trustco’s Winna Mariba, powered by NBC and premiered on NBC2 on March 6, 2024, garnered an impressive 17 000 entries from eager participants nationwide prior to its debut. Exclusively broadcast on NBC2, the show has become a weekly highlight, eagerly awaited by Namibian viewers.
For the past 13 weeks, Namibians tuned in every Wednesday to witness the life-changing power of Winna Mariba. Each week, four new contestants battled through three rounds of intense gameplay, with the final two facing off in the thrilling “Grab the Cash” finale. This season’s journey of exhilarating entertainment, uproarious laughter and mega rewards resonated deeply with audiences nationwide. Episode winners with a paid-up NBC TV license or a paid-up Trustco affiliated product saw their winnings doubled.
The 13th episode marked a special milestone with a celebrity edition featuring a charitable twist. Renowned Namibian celebrities—Miss Teen Namibia 2023 Oriana Ribero, comedic icon OC Ebs, songstress Top Cheri and Olympic medalist Christine Mboma—competed to win funds for their chosen charities. In a gripping finale, OC Ebs emerged victorious, winning N$18 200, with half donated to The Katutura Old Age Home, a cause close to the entertainer’s heart.
Throughout the season, fans participated from home by recreating their favourite Winna Mariba games or showcasing original creations, sharing videos on social media with #WinnaMariba. This initiative fostered a vibrant community spirit.
Trustco’s Winna Mariba, powered by NBC, distributed over N$180 000 in cash to 48 episode and 13 social media winners this season. The show’s return marks a significant milestone, reaffirming the collaboration under the MoU signed in 2023, allowing both parties to co-produce exceptional entertainment for NBC’s 1.6 million viewers. This partnership underscores a commitment to creating high-quality local content, enriching the lives of Namibians.
As the curtain falls on the first season, anticipation builds for an encore. Follow Winna Mariba’s social media channels or visit www.winnamariba.com.na for future announcements, competitions and more. The Winna Mariba game show proudly carries the stamp of approval from the Lotteries Board of Namibia.