Placido Hilukilwa
THE involvement of the Namibian Defence Force in the hosting of the Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant 2025 was intended to highlight the spirit of unity and national pride, reflecting the diverse strengths of the nation, said NDF spokesperson Colonel Petrus Shilumbu in a statement on Tuesday.
The Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant 2025 took place at Ongwediva, Oshana Region, on the 19th of July.
Upon the request of the event organisers, the NDF availed a transport helicopter and the respective crew to fly the patron of the pageant, army captain Adelheid Nangolo, who is the spouse of Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority. The other passenger in the helicopter was the CEO of the Miss Namibia Organisation, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi. They were ferried from the Onambango Palace near Ondangwa to the venue of the event at Ongwediva.
Col. Shilumbu referred to the “longstanding relationship of collaboration” between the Defence Ministry and the NBC and added that the involvement of the NDF helicopter and crew was aimed at enhancing the visual spectacle and cultural dignity of the event, offering viewers a unique and engaging experience.
“The flight officers also added ceremonial flair, stature, and national pride to the proceedings. These flight officers also formed up and welcomed Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, who graced the event with her presence,” said Col. Shilumbu.
According to him, the NDF holds the view that the Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant is an event of national interest that seeks to promote Namibian talent, heritage, and culture, and which also offers meaningful opportunities to the country’s young women, who go on to represent Namibia on international platforms.
Col. Shilumbu also pointed out that the NDF’s support to the pageant was aimed at cementing civil-military cooperation, making it easier for the military forces and civilian organisations to have a mutually beneficial partnership.
Shilumbu revealed that the NBC, which is the owner of the Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant franchise, has committed to defray the costs of the helicopter and its crew, which, according to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs’ daily loan and lease tariffs and in terms of Treasury Instruction KD300, stands at N$22,470.90.
