Jaenique Swartz
Miss Namibia 2022 first princess Leone van Jaarsveld took centre-stage at Droombos earlier this month to unveil her national competition dress for the 71st edition of the Miss World beauty pageant, which was originally slated for December 2023.
It was initially set for November
2022, but it was postponed to December this year.
Unfortunately, this event has yet again been moved to February 2024 in India.
Though the news of the postponement was a disappointing ordeal for many competing countries, van Jaarsveld maintains her positivity and all-around benevolence.
“It is important for me to remember the value of patience and maintaining a positive attitude during times of
waiting.” She further highlighted that patience is not simply the ability to wait, but the ability to remain hopeful, resilient and optimistic while waiting for something one aspires to in life.
“As Miss World Namibia, I believe it is crucial for me to embody these qualities as I navigate through uncertain times. However, I may have to wait a little longer to showcase my talents, intellect and advocacy for everything we have worked for in alignment with the Miss World pageant. I will again use this time to refine myself, to grow as an individual, and to make a positive impact in our communities with every step. I will continue to work towards my goals, never losing sight of my dreams,” she enthused.
Flexible
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, CEO of the Miss Namibia Organisation, said they fully stand behind van Jaarsveld, and will ensure she gets to take part in the pageant as planned.
“In our business, you need to be like the willow tree and go with the flow. We need to be flexible and work under unexpected changes. As the Miss Namibia Organisation’s slogan goes, we need to ‘Calibrate at the Highest Level of Consciousness’.”
Meanwhile, the belle has been following strict regimens to ensure she is in the best shape mentally, physically and emotionally as she continues to work alongside professionals to refine her posture, walk and overall stage presence.
She carries on with educating herself on various social and humanitarian issues and practising self-care and mindfulness, as she continues to prepare for her big day on the competing stage.
“I have been competing for six years to finally represent my country on an international platform. Yes, my journey has been filled with numerous challenges. However, throughout this year and three months, I have managed to maintain my spirit and determination, never losing sight of my goal to represent Namibia and taking each step with grace and gratitude,” said van Jaarsveld.
She then reflected on the work she has done this year as Miss World Namibia: “It serves as a reminder that I can be proud of everything I have strived to represent – not only physically, but emotionally as well. The journey has been filled with triumphs, and taking the time to reflect allows me to appreciate the growth and progress I have made. It reinforces my belief in the importance of representing my country with grace and compassion”.
Good work
The management of her non-profit charity organisation, LR Youth Support, continues to advocate for every child’s needs to be met, and encourages fellow founders of national NGOs to keep up the good work. The charity remains a beacon of hope for the disadvantaged youth within the coastal realms of Namibia.
Van Jaarsveld delights herself in speaking life into people, and providing a light where it may seem like there is none.
She encouraged all aspiring beauty queens to remain rooted in the beauty that already exists within them, embrace their authenticity, believe in themselves and let their light shine brighter than any crown.
“Believe in the power of your dreams and the possibility, and one day you will find yourself standing on the stage, inspiring others with your grace, elegance and determination. You have the potential to be a queen. A crown is not always needed, so go out there and conquer the world with your beauty,
both inside and out,” she added.
Recycled
On criticism that her dress is a recycled idea, the beauty queen stated that she loves her dress and what it stands for.
“Yes, constructive criticism is always welcome. I do understand the public seeing my national dress as a recycled idea, but this design and approval by the Miss Namibia Organisation has been done in September 2022 by local designer Petrus Laubscher,” she observed.
The dress is similar to the dress worn by 2022 Miss Namibia second runner-up Diana Andimba at the Miss Earth 2022 competition in Manila, Philippines.
“The pangolin is the most poached animal in the world, and what an incredible honour and privilege that we are able to do something which would implement change and have an effect to try and help with sustainability to ensure that we protect this animal and everything it represents.”
– jaeniqueswartz@icould.com