Miss Teen Namibia first runner-up Innocentia Mukubi (18) was crowed Miss Teen Universe Africa at the Miss Teen Universe pageant in Barranquilla, Colombia, at the end of last month.
She was crowned alongside the main winner Lynette Arce-Garcia (15), a Cuban who lives in the United States (US).
Contestants from 25 countries across the globe, including three African countries, participated in the pageant.
“I am extremely grateful, excited and honoured to have represented my country as the first Miss Teen Universe Namibia on an international platform,” says Mukubi, who returned home from Columbia on Saturday.
“As my first international trip, not only did the experience give me countless unforgettable memories, it also gave me exposure within the beauty industry and put Namibia on the map, Mukubi says.
“My dream was to make my country proud, which came to a reality. I enjoyed my stay in Colombia and I encourage aspiring models to grab opportunities like this with both hands, like I did.”
The Windhoek-born model started her pageant journey at the age of 14 and has other titles to her name, including Miss Congeniality at the Miss Teen Namibia 2023 pageant and Miss Eco Tourism 2022.
“The road to self-development and building my self-confidence while getting over my stage fright is what I was working on most of the time,” she says.
After being inspired by a close friend who was doing runway modelling, Makubi was convinced to consider taking part in beauty pageants.
The self-taught nail technician and make-up artist says she enjoys drawing during her free time.
Mukubi is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, majoring in urban planning (town and regional planning) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
“Besides modelling, I am a full-time student and small business owner.”
The modelling industry has taught her to take up space and speak up. It also taught her about various cultures and the true essence of being African, Mukubi says.
The young model is also the co-founder of the Restore Her Dignity initiative in Namibia, which has been donating sanitary products to less fortunate girls at select schools since last year.
Mukubi wants to advocate for youth empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development and is passionate about helping others and making an impact, she says.
Her mother Joyce Mukubi told The Namibian that she is a proud parent.
“It brings me immense joy to witness my daughter’s exceptional achievements and contributions to society. Seeing her receive the highly esteemed title of Miss Teen Universe Africa filled my heart with pride and reminded me of the incredible individual she has become. Innocentia’s success in this pageant is a testament to her dedication, perseverance and commitment to making a positive impact on the world around her,” she says.
She would also like to extend her gratitude and appreciation to the Miss Teen Universe official pageant committee for providing an inclusive platform that allows young individuals to showcase their potential, talent and aspirations.
“Your commitment to promoting diversity and empowering young women in the pursuit of their dreams is highly commendable,” she says.
Ntombi Gumede, the national director of the Miss Teen Universe Namibia and Miss Teen Universe South Africa pageants and the founder of Ecotourism World pageants, says she scouted Mukubi during her participation at Miss Teen Ecotourism in South Africa, where she represented Namibia at the Miss Teen Ecotourism World pageant last year.
“After purchasing the Miss Teen Universe Namibia franchise from the Miss Teen Universe organisation based in the US, I had to crown a representative from Namibia to represent Namibia in Colombia,” she says.
“My team and I didn’t have enough time to host a full pageant to crown a winner, however, I strongly believed Mukubi was the right candidate to represent her country at Miss Teen Universe.”
Gumede calls on girls aged 14 to 20, who are interested in taking part in the same pageant next year, as well as those aged 11 to 13, to apply to take part in the Miss Teen Universe Namibia and Miss Preteen Universe Namibia pageants, respectively.
Entries for Miss Teen Universe Namibia 2024 are open until 6 December.
Follow @missteenuniverse_namibia on Instagram for more information.
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