The Miss Petite Global Namibia pageant makes its return for the third year running, with the 2026 event set to take centre stage on Saturday in Windhoek.
The pageant promotes elegance, confidence and opportunities for petite females, as well as placing Namibia firmly on the global pageantry calendar.
The winner of this year’s pageant will take home a N$10 000 cash prize, as well as endorsement contracts with sponsors and the chance to represent the country at the Miss Petite Global international pageant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in May.
The top three finalists will all get international exposure, representing Namibia later this year at Miss Petite Global, Miss Petite International and Face of Beauty International.
National director Bobby Kaanjosa says the fact that the pageant is making its return for the third consecutive year is a sign of growth and purpose.
“This is a clear indication that the platform is here to stay. Our aim is to provide petite women with the same opportunities available in the mainstream modelling and beauty industry, and to ensure that they are adequately prepared to compete confidently at international levels,” Kaanjosa says.
He adds that the pageant is not just about the competition, but also personal development.
“We are investing in the grooming and confidence-building of the contestants, so that at the end of the day, every contestant leaves this journey empowered, whether she wins the competition or not.”
At the finale of the 2026 pageant, reigning queen Linda Jesaya will hand over the crown to the new winner.
Jesaya, who represented Namibia at the Miss Tourism Africa International pageant held in Nigeria last year, says her reign has helped her redefine her purpose.
“Letting go of my crown is not easy, but I do it with gratitude and pride. Being Miss Petite Global Namibia 2025 has been a platform to represent queens from all corners of the world and has helped me become the woman this title embodies. I am proud of the legacy I leave behind and look forward to seeing the next queen take this title even further!” Jesaya says.
The eight contestants vying to win the coveted title are student Annaliisa Nantinda (21), Miss Zambezi 2025 and high school pupil Cynthia Muyunda, Namibia University of Science and Technology student Celither Baldwin, entrepreneur Lydia Usko, police officer Nandi Mumbuu from Otjiwarongo, student Lusia Nghifikwa (19), beauty queen Ndapunikwa Haimbala and medical representative Susanna Gawachas.
“These ladies represent the women of today and tomorrow. This year’s top eight contestants come from different professions and backgrounds. This diversity is a statement to young girls across Namibia that there is a place for them in this industry, regardless of their height or background,” Kaanjosa says.
The judging panel consists of South African pageant coach Jerobiam Julies, musician and entrepreneur TopCheri and Miss Tourism Africa International 2024 Ndinelago Emosho, while the grand finale will be hosted by radio presenter Brenda The MC and model Georgia Garises.
Miss Petite Global is an international pageant established in Malaysia to promote petite women and give them equal opportunities in the global beauty industry.
The international pageant celebrates its fifth golden anniversary in 2026. Namibia became part of the Miss Petite Global family in 2023, under the direction of the Walk by Bobby Kaanjosa Institute, which is the official licence holder of the franchise in Namibia.
Tickets to the grand finale can be purchased from the contestants for N$250.
BEAUTY QUEENS … Miss Petite Global Namibia 2025 Linda Jesaya (middle), first runner up Janet Kain- dume and runner up Tessany Esterhuizen. Photo: Contributed
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