PAGEANT Circle

Jameela Uiras bested nine other finalists to win Miss Namibia 2023 (Miss Universe Namibia 2023) on Saturday, July 8 at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. The 23-year-old fashion model and marketing strategist from Windhoek also bagged the Miss Photogenic award. She succeeds last year's winner Cassia Sharpley and will now prepare to represent Namibia at the 72nd Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2023) in El Salvador. Albertina Haimbala, 23, from Mount Etjo, and Martha Kautanevali, 26, from Ohangwena, were announced as the first and second runners-up, respectively. They are now expected to participate in the Miss World 2024 and Miss Earth 2023 pageants. Shasmida Eiases and Ausha Abrahams rounded out the Top 5 finalists. Meet the new Miss Namibia: View this post on Instagram A post shared by NunuLove (@jameela_uiras) Photos: Miss Namibia, Keen Studios / Jameela Uiras / Instagram

From the 30 semifinalists revealed on March 25, only the Top 10 will now proceed to the grand final on July 8 at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. The official announcement of the finalists came after the preliminary show held on Saturday, May 13 at the Droombos Vineyard Country Lodge in Windhoek. Meet the Top 10 finalists: Aina Nghipuilepo Albertina Haimbala Ausha Abrahams Biolla Uzera Jameela Uiras Jenica Engelbrecht Lency Kuhanga Lidia Simon Martha Kautanevali Shasmida Eiases The winner and runners-up are expected to represent Namibia at Miss Universe 2023, Miss World 2024, and Miss Earth 2023. Last year's titleholder, Cassia Sharpley, who went on to participate in Miss Universe 2022 in New Orleans last January, will relinquish her reign at the end of the event. The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) announced in March its acquisition of full ownership of the Miss Namibia organization. Photo: Miss Namibia

Cassia Sharpley, 21, from Windhoek, bested 11 other finalists to be crowned Miss Namibia 2022 on Friday, August 12 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino. Leoné Van Jaarsveld, 26, from Swakopmund was named first runner-up while Diana Andimba, 23, from Windhoek finished as second runner-up. The new Miss Namibia is a basic life support paramedic and student at Namibia University of Science and Technology pursuing a degree in emergency medical care (advanced life support). As a poverty eradication activist, Cassia founded the Honey Comb Haven Foundation to help the less fortunate members of her community. Last year's winner, Chelsi Shikongo, relinquished her crown to her successor at the end of the competition. Former Miss Universe from Namibia, Michelle McLean, hosted the event with Namibian actor Adriano Visagie. Miss Namibia 2022 is expected to represent her country at Miss Universe 2022 while the first runner-up at the next Miss World edition. View this post on Ins