WINDHOEK: The Miss Namibia beauty pageant held over the weekend elicited diverse emotions from Namibians, who expressed their views on various social media platforms.

The pageant was held in Lderitz, in the ||Kharas Region, and several Namibians expressed discomfort over its cultural focus.

Some Namibians believed that, while the event was national, the candidates appeared to emphasise the culture and traditions of the Zambezi and Kavango regions. During the traditional clothing segment, the top 10 contenders dressed in Musisi garb.

The broadcast covered only tourism destinations from the Zambezi and Kavango areas, including traditional living museums.

Critics stated that because the pageant was hosted in the country’s south, the sequence and subject should have included elements highlighting the region, its people, traditions, and tourist attractions.

Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Organisation, addressed these concerns in an interview with Nampa o
n Monday, noting that the selection of regions was not motivated by any particular objective.

She explained that each year, the pageant chooses a location for the top 10 contenders to attend. These regions are then incorporated into the presentation, regardless of where the event takes place.

The CEO emphasised that the pageant aims to promote the country’s tourism landscape while being inclusive of all regions and people with diverse cultures and heritages.

She also noted that this year’s theme for the Miss Namibia competition was ‘When beauty meets culture’.

She said the discussion on social media reflected a broader conversation about national representation and cultural inclusion.

Karuaihe-Upi added that the pageant’s organisers remain committed to showcasing the different regions of the country in future events, aiming to foster unity and appreciation for Namibia’s rich cultural tapestry.

‘Despite the controversy, the pageant proceeded with its goal of highlighting Namibia’s tourism and cultural di
versity,’ she said.

Journalist Prisca Anyolo was crowned Miss Namibia 2024. Leena Mugena is the first runner-up and Georgia Garises the second runner-up.

Source: The Namibia News Agency