Miss Plus Size Namibia Set For November

As traditional beauty pageants continue to exclude curvier woman, Miss Plus Size Namibia returns with a new crop of full-figured contestants.

Beginning with a talent show on 5 November before a grand finale the next day, this year’s pageant will take place at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre on 6 November.

Currently in its third iteration, Miss Plus Size Namibia was founded by Margaret Shivolo, who created the pageant as a platform to celebrate the women who are routinely overlooked in the world of pageantry, fashion and beauty.

“My inspiration came from our continent Africa where curvy and plus-sized women are more than size 0,” says Shivolo, whose aim of inclusion extends to both a woman’s age and marital status.

“Here we accommodate single women between the ages of 18 and 35 and married women with or without children above the age of 20.”

This year’s 10 finalists are Nahambelelwe Neumbo, Natalia Nghitoolwa Nangombe, Loide Josefina Mpingana Kleopas, Martha Amanyanga, Rashidah Madisia, Ashley Kevanhu, Casandra Snyder, Bianca Daniella Heyns, Roxette Matthys and Grace Kauna Kahatjipara.

The contestants will compete for the crown currently held by Zenodine Bassingthwaighte, who won Miss Plus Size Namibia in 2019.

This year’s pageant will be directed by Towa Mungandi of Toto by Towa, whose brand is focused on the vibrant visibility of woman who are bigger than the traditional industry standard.

“Through my brand, Toto by Towa, I always try to make women feel seen and understood. The Miss Plus Size Namibia contestants are already a bunch of smart, confident and funny women but I want to make them feel catered for,” says Mungandi, who would like to see the winner of Miss Plus Size Namibia splashed on the front page of newspapers much like Miss Namibia or Miss Supranational.

“Miss Plus Size Namibia is such an important movement. It’s so important for these women to be out there and for them to be celebrated. For the sake of every plus-sized women from the age of 16 to 70 and even younger, it’s nice to be cheered on and allowed a space to feel beautiful and confident.”

Training for the Miss Plus Size Namibia pageant will begin in October and the contestants are currently doing volunteer work of their choice.

Only just getting started but determined to grow and ultimately make a difference in the lives of its contestants and society at large, Miss Plus Size Namibia is a fledgling pageant with big dreams.

“We hope for the pageant to gain recognition, support and growth,” says Shivolo.

“Our aim is to make sure we provide enough cash prizes for the winner to be able to carry out their duties and participate in international plus size pageants.”

Shivolo also plans to expand the Miss Plus Size Namibia organisation to include a women’s magazine, plus-size fashion week and a television series.

For more information about Miss Plus Size Namibia, follow the pageant on Facebook.

Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and

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