THE ART OF PIMPING: How Namibia’s ‘Besties’ and ‘Aunties’ Are Turning Young Women into High-Class Call Girls

Oh, Namibia. The land of the brave, the beautiful, and apparently, the land of young women being “mentored” by their oh-so-lovely rich aunties and “best friends.” If you happen to live under a rock, let me give you a crash course in what’s happening across Windhoek, Ongwediva, and those beachy coastal towns that look like paradise but often feel like something out of a dark reality show.

Let’s talk about the new definition of mentorship, shall we? Gone are the days of practical advice on how to land your first job or become financially literate. These days, young women are learning life lessons like how to make sure your sugar daddy doesn’t text you more than twice a day and the subtle art of dodging questions about your "business ventures." And who’s the mastermind behind this course? The aunts and besties of course. Those same women who post inspirational quotes about “sisterhood” and “empowerment” on Instagram but spend their evenings setting up their nieces and besties for a "business deal" that smells suspiciously like human trafficking.

Let’s start with Auntie’s “sponsorship” program. Oh yes, Auntie. The one who’s always got the newest car, the latest handbag, and that inexplicable ability to live a life of luxury without anyone really knowing how she pays her bills. Auntie loves to take her niece under her wing, showing her the ropes of "getting ahead in life." What she really means is “let me show you how to leverage your looks and charm for a little extra cash from rich men who think you’re 25 when you're 19." It’s like a mentorship program, but instead of college courses, you get a crash course in seduction, social media filters, and the art of pretending you have a “business” when you’re just collecting gifts from older men who are way too invested in your personal life.

Then there’s the “bestie” who’s always telling you about her "business ventures" in Dubai or Cape Town. You know, the one who never has a job but always has new designer clothes. She’ll tell you that life is about “networking” and “investing in your future” which, in her world, translates to convincing you that a couple of dates with “successful businessmen” is the gateway to living the dream life. She’ll be there with her “oh babe, I just need to introduce you to someone,” and before you know it, your bestie has introduced you to a new opportunity one that includes very expensive dinners with a man who asks you to “dress up” for the evening. Sounds like a business meeting, right? Except your ‘business partner’ is now texting you to see if you’re free for a ‘meeting’ at 3 a.m. because he’s feeling "lonely."

Oh, but don’t worry. This isn’t just an isolated trend; it’s a nationwide phenomenon. From the rich suburbs of Windhoek to the breezy shores of Swakopmund, young women everywhere are being encouraged (read: coerced) into this lifestyle. Because, you know, who needs a solid education or a fulfilling career when you can make bank by hanging out with the “right” people? It’s a simple formula: be young, be hot, and know how to smile at the right time.

Now, let’s not sugarcoat this. There’s a reason these women are being lured into this world. It’s not just about a pretty face; it’s about desperation, poverty, and a society that continuously tells young women that their worth is tied to how much money they can make by any means possible. These aunties and besties? They're not “mentors.” They're predators dressed up in pearls and lace, pulling young women deeper into a cycle where self-worth is measured in gifts, nights spent in luxury hotels, and how many ‘businessmen’ you can keep happy at once.

Let’s not pretend that this is empowerment. Empowerment is not a new set of heels every month, nor is it about collecting fancy cars and bags. It’s about knowing that your value doesn’t come from your appearance or who you can get into bed with. But let’s not kid ourselves, that’s the reality for so many women in Namibia today. And the worst part? We’re all complicit in turning a blind eye because, as long as it doesn’t directly affect us, who are we to judge?

But hey, Auntie’s got it all figured out. She’s just giving a little guidance, who cares if it’s destroying the next generation of women? If they can live like her, why not, right? Never mind the emotional toll, the long-term mental health issues, or the fact that these women will be left to pick up the pieces when their looks fade and they realize that no one ever taught them how to build something real.

So, to all the "aunties" and "besties" out there, here's a piece of advice. You’re not mentors. You’re not role models. You’re just playing in a game that’s been designed to exploit the vulnerable. And it's a damn shame.