Staff Reporter
THE Miss Namibia pageant, overseen by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), has injected vitality into the national pageantry industry, which previously lacked investments. A total of N$2.5 million was contributed to the national project by Debmarine Namibia during the Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant Prize giving ceremony.
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, the Miss Namibia CEO, also conveyed her heartfelt appreciation and reflected on a quote by her favourite African American author, Toni Morrison, which states, “When you are free, Free the others…. This quote is pertinent as we also draw from our own history. When you are empowered, empower others. For those of you who sit with privileges and power, how do you use it? What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind? This is the only way I can say thank you because you have empowered the Miss Namibia Organisation to empower these young women. I want to convey the message clearly: you are not just sponsors, but you have left a legacy for the next generation,” Karuaihe-Upi expressed to the Debmarine management team.
She further added that after the crowning ceremony, the Miss Namibia Pageant has promoted eco-tourism in the country and revitalized cultures through the Miss Namibia Organisation. “Stanley Similo has left a great legacy at NBC. When we proposed sponsoring Miss Namibia, he said, ‘Let’s buy it.’ He has used his privileges and power to invest in the future of Namibia,” Karuaihe-Upi stated.
Jameela /Uiras, Miss Namibia, received a cash prize exceeding N$100,000, a one-year medical services sponsorship, a cellphone valued at N$27,899.00, a Toyota Starlet valued at N$250,000, as well as gifts in kind valued at N$428,749. Albertina Haimbala, the First Runner-Up, received a cash prize of N$52,000, a Cell Phone valued at N$22,299.00, and other non-cash items valued at N$22,659. Martha Kautanevali, the Second Runner-Up, received a total of N$37,000 in cash, a Cell Phone valued at N$20,699.00, and other non-cash items worth N$20,829. All the 10 finalists received N$2,000 each.
Oriana Ribeiro, Miss Teen Namibia, received a cash prize of N$53,000, a cellphone valued at N$20,499.00, and other non-cash items worth N$47,947. The first runner-up contestant in Miss Teen, Innocentia, received a cash prize of N$34,000.00 and gifts in kind valued at N$1,000. Tamica, the Second Runner-Up in Miss Teen Namibia, received a total of N$22,000 and in-kind gifts worth N$1,000. All the top 10 Miss Teen contestants received N$1,000 each.
The Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant Prize Giving ceremony was well attended by main sponsor Debmarine Namibia, other sponsors, Miss Namibia CEO, the Miss Namibia Top 3, Miss Teen Namibia, invited guests, NBC management and staff, and members of the media. Gratitude was further extended to Coca-Cola Beverages Namibia and Pupkewitz Toyota, who have been steadfast partners for over a decade, as well as other sponsors who have contributed to the Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant through in-kind support.
NBC Director General, Stanley B. Similo, congratulated the winners and encouraged young women across the country to participate in upcoming pageants, as the national broadcaster continuously seeks to empower Namibians. Debmarine Namibia CEO, Willie Mertend, further echoed their commitment to the upliftment and empowerment of women, which is one of the reasons why the company provided N$2.5 million to the Miss Namibia Pageant.
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