Marco Coetzee, National Director of the Miss Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) pageant, acquired the Miss World Namibia licence from the Miss World Organisation, following last year’s announcement that runner-ups would no longer be eligible to compete in the beauty pageant.
In an interview with VIBEZ!, Coetzee expressed his excitement and commitment to shaping the future of Miss World Namibia.
“Miss World Namibia was acquired through a successful licensing application with the Miss World Organisation. As the National Director of Miss NGO Namibia, I saw a meaningful opportunity to elevate Namibia’s presence on global platforms,” he said.
He noted that Miss NGO Namibia and Miss World Namibia are two distinct pageants in terms of purpose, focus and criteria. However, both winners will be crowned during one shared gala evening.
Miss World Namibia will represent Namibia at the prestigious Miss World pageant, while Miss NGO Namibia will go on to represent the country at Miss Africa Golden or Miss Africa International, depending on her strengths and profile.
Miss World Namibia Organisation announced that Selma Kamanya, former Miss Namibia 2018 will represent Namibia at the Miss World 2025 in India.
Coetzee noted that The Miss World title is awarded after a global competition featuring over 100 contestants who participate in fast-track challenges like Beauty with a Purpose, Sports, Talent, Top Model, Multimedia and head-to-head debates.
The Beauty with a Purpose project is one of the most important components of the Miss World competition. It highlights the contestant’s commitment to impactful social causes and often plays a decisive role in determining the winner.
“Selma Kamanya was appointed as Miss World Namibia 2025 based on her proven track record as a former Miss Namibia, her academic background in Economics, and her passionate advocacy for mental health awareness, well-being and sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Kamanya is currently running the Innovation Foundation, a platform she founded to support sustainable development through innovation. One of their key initiatives is installing urban farming units or ‘backyard gardens’ to promote food security and teach communities, especially the youth, about sustainable agriculture. The foundation also actively advocates for mental health awareness, as Kamanya believes a healthy society starts with both a nourished body and mind.
Kamanya recently posted on her Instagram account that she was still taking it all in what an incredible honour is to represent the country at the pageant. “The love, support and encouragement I’ve received from Namibia and across the world has been absolutely heartwarming. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
“I feel so proud to represent this beautiful nation, and I cannot wait to take you all along with me on this journey to India for the 72nd Miss World pageant.”
Coetzee concluded that entries for Miss World Namibia will open soon, and encourage young Namibian women who are passionate about advocacy and global representation to prepare for this opportunity.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na