By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, July 10 — Jameela Uiras was crowned Miss Namibia 2023 on Saturday night at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. The 23-year-old fashion model and marketing strategist from Windhoek beat out nine other contestants to win the title.
Uiras, who is running on the platform of advocating youth empowerment, 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 Miss Namibia pageant 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 a 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.
Uiras and Ribeiro will now represent Namibia at the Miss Universe and Miss Teen Universe pageants, respectively. Both women are young, beautiful, and talented, and they will be sure to make Namibia proud.
About Jameela Uiras
Jameela Uiras is a 23-year-old fashion model and marketing strategist from Windhoek, Namibia. She is a graduate of the University of Namibia, where she studied marketing. Uiras is passionate about youth empowerment and she is committed to using her platform as Miss Namibia to make a difference in the lives of young people. She is also a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and she is committed to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
About Orania Ribeiro
Orania Ribeiro is a 17-year-old student from Windhoek, Namibia. She is a grade 12 student at the Windhoek International School. Ribeiro is passionate about dance and she is a member of the Windhoek Dance Academy. She is also a talented singer and she has performed in several musicals. Ribeiro is a confident and outgoing young woman and she is excited to represent Namibia at the Miss Teen Universe pageant.
