The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has condemned and rejected the ongoing tribal, defamatory and discriminatory attacks directed at Miss Namibia, Johanna Swartbooi.
This follows several videos circulated on social media in which individuals insulted and demeaned Swartbooi, who is currently representing Namibia at the Miss Universe pageant.
In a statement, NBC Director General Stanley Similo described the attacks as unlawful, dangerously divisive and incompatible with Namibia's constitutional values.
The broadcaster stressed that tribal discrimination is not a matter of opinion but a violation of human dignity and equality.
Similo reminded the public that freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech, defamation, or incitement to discrimination.
The NBC's acquisition of the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia franchises was based on the public-service mandate to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity for all Namibian girls and young women.
The broadcaster asserts that those promoting tribal hostility are undermining this mandate.
Similo urged the public not to practise tribalism, hatred, and racism. The NBC will protect individuals like Swartbooi from such harmful attacks, he added.
"The NBC is deeply disturbed to learn that some Namibians are attacking the character of Miss Johanna Swartbooi, our current Miss Namibia, who is also competing in Miss Universe in Thailand. These statements reflect values that are un-Namibian as they promote hatred and unpatriotism; they indicate a racist mindset, which is exactly what our forefathers fought against for many years until we achieved independence. It is heartbreaking to realise that even today, in a free Namibia, some of us still categorise people based on tribe, appearance, and occupation. We must remind each other that Articles 8 and 10 of our Constitution clearly address dignity and rights, among other important aspects. When the NBC took over the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen pageants as a business, we intended for all women across Namibia to be included in this journey."
Similo says NBC will not hesitate to take legal action, including reporting offenders to law-enforcement authorities, initiating civil proceedings and invoking laws that govern harmful online conduct.
As Miss Namibia carries the country's flag on the global stage, Swartbooi deserves respect, protection and national support.