Africa’s own Black Barbie, Miss Earth Namibia Albertina Haimbala, who was crowned first runner-up at Miss Namibia 2023, is in the Philippines to participate in Miss Earth 2024 on 9 November.
The 24-year-old will compete for the coveted title against about 76 other delegates from around the world.
CEO of the Miss Namibia Organisation Umbi Karuaihe-Upi said Haimbala is doing extremely well.
“When you look across all social media platforms, she is rated number one as the possible winner of Miss Earth 2024 – and/or in the Top 5 by international pageant critics and influencers,” she noted.
She is undoubtedly one of the most popular delegates among the 76 countries currently in Manila.
“The organisation went all-out. We have given her everything and beyond the call of duty to make sure she is mentally and physically well-prepared,” Karuaihe-Upi said.
Haimbala is extremely fit, and being an athlete contributes to her overall beautiful physique and positive mental health.
The team has made sure all her video productions and photo shoots are of high international standards.
“We have been promoting her on a high level on all our platforms. Her wardrobe is out of this world,” Karuaihe-Upi stated.
“I am looking for her to win the crown of Miss Earth 2024. In my heart of hearts, I know she will come back with the crown or one of the element’s crowns. I’m looking forward to making Namibia proud, as we did with Jameela Uiras, Oriana Ribeiro, Diana Andimba and Zoe Karsten.
“All were placed in the Top 20. Oriana made it to 2nd princess – so this time, Albertina must make it to Top One – the winner,” she expressed.
She appealed to organisations and businesses to continue sponsoring their initiatives, as the Miss Namibia Organisation has become a social movement for change.
The organisation is not only promoting tourism and women empowermen,t but uplifting rural youth through motivational visits and support.
In an interview with VIBEZ!, Haimbala stated that she waited almost a year for this to happen.
She is more than ready to compete and bring the crown home.
“I’m grateful for the support that I have received – in particular, from the Queen mother, Karuaihe-Upi – and in general, to the Miss Namibia Organisation. I’m in a good and happy space. I am looking forward to winning the crown of Miss Earth 2024,” she said.
When she departed to the Philippines, she wrote on her social media platforms: “This is the day the Lord has made. I am deeply grateful to the Miss Namibia Organisation for believing in me and entrusting me with the Miss Earth title. Thank you, Namibia, for your unwavering support, and for giving me the space to dream big. To all my fans across the world, your love and belief in me from the very beginning mean everything. Thank you, Jesus, for the blessings I have now, and those yet to come”.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na