Miss Heritage Namibia 2023 Stella da Costa has commenced a documentary that celebrates the rich heritage of Namibia.
As a representative of Miss Heritage Global, Da Costa aims to promote tourism and contribute to the revival of Namibia’s economy, which suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Namibia, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, heavily relies on tourism as a significant economic sector.
Miss Heritage Namibia recognises the importance of showcasing the country’s natural wonders and cultural treasures to attract visitors from around the world.
“I must say I am honoured to contribute to the Namibian tourist attractions with the Miss Heritage platform through which I will be showing the beautiful cultures and landscape we have here in Namibia,” she told Youth Corner.
Da Costa will represent the country at the sixth edition of the Miss Heritage Global 2023 pageant, slated for September, at the Kalahari Resort in Limpopo province, South Africa.
Over 70 countries will compete for the title this year in the pageant, which strives to promote cultural diversity around the world.
Her documentary will highlight the beauty of Namibia’s various cultures and landscapes, emphasising the unique experiences that await tourists.
With a focus on her hometown of Opuwo, which is known for its vast area and complex terrain, Da Costa plans to showcase the region’s rare birds and animals, including zebras, antelopes, hyenas, antelopes, giraffes, deer, lizards, leopards and cheetahs.
She said heritage gives pride to Namibian identities, adding: “It also encourages everyone to keep their culture alive and to pass on inherited traditions and knowledge to their descendants. It helps Namibians understand and explain why they are the way they are. Heritage is a keystone of culture and plays an important role in many people’s daily lives”.
“I have started doing my documentary. I got inside information on why we have what we call okuluwo, why men don’t eat from pots, or why they prefer to give young girls to marriage at a very young age or while they are still in their mother’s womb like it was for my grandmother. It is something simple, but with a deep history behind it – and I believe it even more now and understand where my parents are coming from. This is not to say there is nothing wrong with cultures and beliefs,” she said.
Da Costa further noted that the new generation is amazed by the modern world and prefers to learn about other people’s cultures, but pageants like Miss Heritage Global would like to also educate the youth about their cultures so they know who they truly are and where they are coming from.
Documentaries will not only promote the country’s heritage and people around the world, but it will also educate them as contestant contenders about their own heritage to be able to create awareness and continue with the legacy.
“It’s easy to stand on stage and represent your country with pride, but the preparation is always a challenge. Trying to put all things together requires money, mentorship and coaching, and one should always have the right mind set. That is the most challenging part,” she noted.
“They always say, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, have a team’. I am grateful for the previous queen who represented Namibia, Albertina Shilelo, for her guidance.”
“I know that you always have to work for what you want to achieve. I just want to take this opportunity and put it out there that whoever wants to come through for me in any way – with either knowledge, advice, help or anything they want me to include, especially in the documentary, they are more than welcome because getting ideas from others really does help.”