WALVIS BAY - A collective initiative aimed at helping reigning Miss Namibia Chelsi Shikongo realising her dream to attend the Miss Universe pageant in Israel managed to raise N$85 000 last weekend.

The fundraising dinner that took place at a Swakopmund hotel on Saturday evening was organised by business personality Paul Ndjambula, Swakopmund constituency councillor Ciske Howard-Smith, Annet Kotting and the Swakopmund business chamber. Shikongo need to raise at least N$200 000 in order to attend the Miss Universe pageant that is expected to take place in Israel early December. 

Kotting on Sunday said that Erongo Marine made the biggest contribution by buying a painting of Chelsi that was painted by Lynette van Niekerk and auctioned off during the evening. Swakopmund mayor Louisa Kativa also donated N$10 000 to Shikongo on behalf of the Swakopmund municipality. 

“We also had our golden girls, Beatrice Masilingi and Christine Mbomba as well as their coach in attendance to support Shikongo,” Kotting said.  “Covid-19 has changed the way we do business. Once the world opens, all tourist destinations will scramble to get tourists and it is only fair that we assist those who market our country.  

We have to thank all Namibian Olympians, and sport codes currently in the news who are flying the Namibian flag high. The same goes for our beauties who are representing Namibia,” Kotting said. Shikongo also expressed her appreciation toward the Erongo region and Namibians at large for supporting her in making her dream a reality. “It is that support that has led me to be scouted by one of the biggest modelling agencies in South Africa and eventually becoming Miss Namibia Universe 2021. “I am filled with so much love, joy and gratitude and I will carry that all the way to that stage in December,” Shikongo said.