Top 20 for Miss Namibia and Teen 2024 announced

The Miss Namibia Organisation (MNO) on Wednesday announced the Top 20 finalists for Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia 2024 on social media.

Entries opened on 1 December 2023 and closed on 29 February this year.

MND chief executive Umbi Karuaihe-Upi said this year they received 55 entries for Miss Namibia and 47 entries for Miss Teen Namibia.

Applications came from various towns in Namibia such as Walvis Bay, Outjo, Tsintsabis, Gobabis, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Grootfontein, Rosh Pinah, Oshakati, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo, Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop and Swakopmund.

“The MND vetting committee went through all the requirements as stipulated on the application form, such as video introductions, photos, social media handles, age, citizenship and payments.

“We are delighted to share with the public that we have once again received high quality entries that meet the required international standards,” she said.

Karuaihe-Upi said this year 20 semi-finalists were selected instead of 30 for both pageants.

“From there, we will select the top 10 at the preliminaries. We are doing it like this, because we believe it is a more effective way to manage the contestants and to allot them more value for their participation and effort. We opted for Top 20 to enhance the value and experience for the contestants by giving them more attention to prepare for the coronation, as well as for the international pageants,” she said.

Karuaihe-Upi said the Top 20 finalists represent the diverse talents, ambitions and aspirations of Namibian women.

“We are committed to empowering young women and providing them with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society. We are pleased about the continued enthusiasm and participation in our pageants.”

Karuaihe-Upi said through the pageants, they aim to nurture leadership skills, foster confidence and instil a sense of social responsibility in the contestants.

“I’m so excited about this year’s contestants, just like last year. We have beauty and brains. Equally, most are already in the pageantry and modelling world. Jameela /Uiras and Oriana Ribeiro definitely set the bar high and I’m absolutely delighted that these finalists are in congruent with the high international standard set. As we move forward with the competition, we invite the community to join us in supporting these remarkable young women by attending our events, engaging with our contestants and championing their causes. We can all play a part in creating positive change and uplifting the next generation of Namibian leaders.”

Karuaihe-Upi said the preliminaries will be held in May, where the Top 10 of both pageants will be announced.

The final date of the crowning will be announced in due course, she added.

“We are excited to see them showcase their abilities on a national stage. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us raise awareness of the important work being done by the MND. Together, we can empower young girls to make a difference in their communities and beyond. We appeal to our beloved Namibian public to please support your finalists,” Karuaihe-Upi said.