Allexer Namundjembo
The ministry of defence and veteran affairs has confirmed that the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) paid N$22,470 to use a Namibian Defence Force (NDF) helicopter during the recent Miss Namibia pageant in Ongwediva.
Public backlash followed the use of the military helicopter to transport Queen Adelheid Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority and patron of the pageant, along with Miss Namibia CEO Umbi Karuaihe-Upi.
On Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Colonel Petrus Shilumbu said NBC submitted a written request on 10 July for a helicopter and pilot crew to transport the two individuals to the event. NBC owns the Miss Namibia pageant.
“One of the specific requests from the organiser was to fly the patron of the pageant, Captain Queen Adelheid Nangolo, and Miss Namibia Organisation CEO Umbi Karuaihe-Upi to the event,” Shilumbu said.
He stated the request was approved on 11 July after consideration.
The ministry said the NDF has supported NBC at various national events before, and that the flight was meant to enhance the ceremony, welcome vice president Lucia Witbooi, and promote national pride.
Shilumbu said the NDF followed official procedures and charged NBC based on the ministry’s loan and lease tariffs.
“This was not an abuse of public funds or military assets. NBC complied with the necessary processes, and the NDF will continue to exercise prudence when handling similar requests in future,” he said.
The ministry explained that the Z-9 helicopter was charged at the standard N$5,500 per hour, with NBC covering two hours of use.
The confirmation did not stop criticism. Many Namibians took to social media, accusing the organisers of wasteful spending and elitism.
“This act was a gross misuse of state resources and a betrayal of public trust,” wrote Tangy Mike Tshilongo on Facebook.
“It’s a crystal-clear display of elitism and entitlement at its worst.”
Joseph Sheehama asked, “Who pays for fuel and maintenance? Regardless of your role, respecting our country’s values is important. The public deserves more information on how state assets are being used.”
While the defence ministry has addressed the concerns, neither the Miss Namibia Organisation nor NBC have issued any public comment.
