“This is my season,” says Miss Namibia 2022 Cassia Sharpley.
She is a confident speaker, her strut is graceful and elegant, and on top of that she has an effortless blend of intellect, grace and a heart of gold.
The 21-year-old was crowned on Friday last week at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort, succeeding 2021's Chelsi Shikongo.
Leoné van Jaarsveld walked away as the first runner-up, while Diana Andima was the second princess. The competition was tough, but Sharpley drew massive applause from the audience early on in the evening every time she was on the stage or her name was called.
Sharpley believes she will accomplish a lot in her year of reign, which will include her representing the country at the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines in December.
She will be up against young women from countries all over the world.
“To know I am an ambassador for my country and I have the opportunity to represent Namibia overseas is an experience I will embrace with all efforts at winning the crown,” she says.
Her already busy schedule includes media tours, receiving her prizes and visits to various spots around Windhoek.
She seems to already be settling into her role well, handling the pressure, increased attention, full timetable and near-constant smiling effortlessly.
Sharpley is a multifaceted woman. She's a dancer and athlete, and in 2017 participated in Miss Teen Namibia, in which she was the runner-up.
She also represented Namibia at the 2018 Miss Teen Continents pageant in Las Vegas, was scouted for modelling in California in the United States, and won eight gold medals and one silver medal at the Championships for the Performing Arts in South Africa in 2016.
Currently she works as a basic life support practitioner, while pursuing a bachelor's degree in emergency medical care at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, after which she will become an advanced life support paramedic.
She says she fell in love with the field two years ago, and chose to further her education to improve her skills and provide patients a better service.
Sharpley says the work she does aided her in acing last week's pageant and securing the coveted top spot.
“This specific course has taught me valuable characteristics I had to apply in the Miss Namibia journey: discipline, punctuality, resilience and respect,” she says, adding that her parents raised her in such a way that disciplined goal setting is ingrained in her DNA.
Aside from being devoted to charity, her main passion is poverty alleviation.
Under her belt she has 15 years of ballet training as well. She is also a Grade 7 classical pianist, holds a Grade 4 qualification in musical theory studies, has played rugby, and has tried her hand at bodybuilding and powerlifting.
“All these experiences have been the result of hard work and determination. Ever since a young age I have set goals, and I have never allowed any thought or person to keep me away from my ultimate purpose,” she says.
“This journey has opened doors for me ever since I was a semi-finalist. It gave my advocacy the exposure it needed in terms of poverty alleviation. It exposed me to how pageantry is hard work, and it truly is beauty with a charitable purpose.”
Sharpley is the founder of The Honeycomb Foundation, a charity organisation which advocates empowering poverty-stricken communities and eradicating the scourge of inequality.
“Pageantry is a great grooming process for women. I do believe it can be used to reach the hearts of those whose aspirations and desires deserve to be heard and met,” she says.
“When they called my name I remember a great deal of gratitude overwhelmed me. I had no words, simply because I immediately felt how I could make a difference in my country.
“I feel blessed to know I am representing Namibia at large in terms of poverty alleviation,” she says.
As for her legacy, Sharpley hopes to leave a lasting impression.
“I would like to be remembered for my humility, discipline and loyalty towards my beautiful country.”
– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator from Windhoek, Namibia. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
