Jameela Uiras is Miss Namibia 2023. She was crowned on Saturday night at the MTC Dome at Swakopmund.
Her immediate runner-up is Albertina Haimbala, while the second princess crown went to Martha Kautavali.
The pageant is held annually to choose a candidate that will carry the organisation’s philanthropic duties, as well as represent the country at international competitions.
Uiras, running on the platform of advocating youth empowerment, beat out nine other women, accumulating points in categories that included a dance number, the evening wear segment, overall poise and answering the all-important question.
She was asked by main stage hosts David Mbeha and Charlene Labuschagne: “Everyone has a story to tell with highlights and sometimes sadness. How has failure personally helped your achievements?”
“I personally have a superpower which is the ability to overcome anything and everything. Standing here today, I encourage everyone to believe in themselves. Failure is not the end of it. You need to bring yourself up and try again. As a beacon of hope, I want to encourage everyone to believe in themselves,” she said.
This year’s event had a more glamorous element to it than previous years, with an upgraded venue, a star-studded attendees list and fresh faces hosting the main stage and the carpet.
The change in management of the entire evening is extremely evident in subtle ways, and it’s no doubt that the Miss Namibia pageant will thrive if it continues in this direction.
With unforgettable performances from the likes of Waters, Skrypt, Adora and Arthur Black – other hosts included Kelly-Moyao Tjituka, Leena Shipwata, Mercedes and Sepiso Mwange.
Miss Namibia 2023 is walking away with a cash prize of N$100 000 and car, among other winnings, and she will compete at Miss Universe 2023 later in the year in El Salvador.
On Friday evening, Miss Teen Namibia had their crowning at the MTC Dome, with Orania Ribeiro emerging as the young lady on top. Her first and second runners-up are Innocentia Mukubi and Timica Goeieman.
- Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and commentator. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
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