This past Saturday night, 20 young women inched closer to their crowning dreams by making it past the preliminary rounds of the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants.
The night included dance sequences and struts in evening wear, punctuated by musical performances in celebration of Namibian beauty and grace.
Stage presenter Leena Shipwata and host Diana Andimba kept the energy high as the anticipation built to reveal the chosen few who would represent Namibia on the international stage.
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, Miss Namibia Organisation chief executive on Saturday shared her admiration of the contestants, saying: “They are all about quality, they are confident, and they are gorgeous.”
The newly chosen top-10 finalists for Miss Namibia are Preclina Sagarias, Naomi Kamenye, Hazel !Garus-Oas, Otja Unanisa, Georgia Garises, Ruusa Angula, Lenna Mugena, Jodie-Lee Barnard, Aurelia Samunyenga and Prisca Anyolo.
In the Miss Teen Namibia category, Queen Sheeya, Jamin Antonius, Caitlin Bosman, Elaine Engelbrecht, Uveniko Negongo, Shanay Viljoen, Felan Shipena, Loreece Kaffer, Miazuda Hill and Twamona Luhepo were successful in making it to the next round.
Organisers are yet to announce dates for the main event.
Among the panel of judges were Melissa Poulton and Dr Esperance Luvindao, both renowned figures in Namibia’s fashion and beauty industry.
Poulton said: “It was an amazing experience. It was good to get to know the girls and experience the pageant from the judge’s perspective. All the girls were so beautiful, charming and intelligent.
“I’m excited for the final show, and happy to be a part of it all.”
Luvindao echoed her sentiments, calling it a phenomenal experience.
“We got to see the women during the interviews this past week. We interacted with the ladies, and I must say the women we met this past week and last night were completely different women.
“There was this immense growth you could see, and they really have developed in such a short period of time. It speaks to the value of the pageant to say it really allows women the opportunity for genuine growth,” she said.
As the countdown begins to the final crowning moments, all eyes are on these young women who should embody the spirit of Namibian beauty, grace and talent.
The winner of Miss Namibia will go on to represent the country at the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico in September.
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