Leggy Lizelle takes the crown

Twelve beautiful hopefuls competed for the chance to be Miss Namibia 2016 at the Windhoek Country Club on Saturday evening.

With live music from NAMA award winner Ann Singer and South African singer George Longane, and presented by ‘Katutura’ star Chops Tshoopara, the audience was treated to an entertaining and nerve-wracking evening, as the numbers of the contestants dwindled down before the two runner-ups and ultimately, this year’s Miss Namibia, were named.

After a tough round of questions that ranged from gender-based violence to youth empowerment, 20-year-old Lizelle Esterhuizen from Windhoek walked away with the coveted title.

Twenty-one-year-old Andeline Wieland from Swakopmund was crowned the first princess while Varaakuani Hambira from Gobabis walked away with the second princess title.

But even though there could only be one winner, this year saw eight prize categories introduced, such as Miss Fitness, Miss General Knowledge and Miss Public Speaking, among others.

The contestants wore designs from four Namibian designers, Cobus Moller, Chakirra Claasen, Leah Misika, Lorna Botha, as well as Jenni Button, a guest designer from South Africa.

Their outfits spanned from sporty looks, cocktail dresses and floral kaftans to the evening gowns as the audience watched the contestants make their way down the runway in unique pieces.

As well as celebrating Namibia’s beautiful women, the night also took time to honour Namibian women who have made an impact in their communities with Standard Bank’s Women of Excellence, which were Dr Christina Swart-Opperman of the Christina Swart-Opperman AIDS Orphan Foundation Trust in category A; and in category B, Ebenica Tjiveta of the Onyose Trust and Johanna Hauwanga of Helping Hands.

With live entertainment, charitable initiatives and the enthusiasm of the crowd, Miss Namibia 2016 was a buzzing evening, and for Esterhuizen, it was a night she will never forget.