By Michael Liswaniso OPUWO Metropolitan Namibia recently sponsored a beauty pageant in Kunene’s capital, Opuwo. The two-day show that has become a vital annual event for the residents of the town started on Friday and ended at around midnight on Saturday. The pageant was held at the OJP Hall of Opuwo Primary School. It saw 20-year-old Saara Kandjala, a learner and member of the learners’ representative council of Mureti Senior Secondary School, beat seven other final contestants to scoop the Miss Metropolitan Namibia 2006 crown of Opuwo. During her reign, the new Metropolitan queen will promote and coordinate most of Metropolitan Namibia’s functions and activities here. “I am very happy and proud to be crowned Miss Metropolitan Namibia 2006. It is really a great honour for me. I know that the duties to be performed for Metropolitan Namibia here in Opuwo and other small towns from today until next year when my tenure expires are vast, but I will work to my supreme abilities,” said the new queen in a short interview with New Era after being crowned. She said though it was her second time to take part in a beauty pageant, she never panicked at all but stood her ground. More than seven contestants registered for the beauty contest, but only four made it for the prize-giving. Scooping the first princess title was 16-year-old Helena Taapopi while the second princess title went to 19-year-old Florida Gases. The miss personality title went to 16-year-old Natasha Antonio. All four top finalists were honoured with varying cash and small cosmetic prizes. The new Opuwo Metropolitan queen received N$800, while the princesses received N$600, N$400 and N$200 respectively. The famous ‘Bullet ya Kaoko’ band spiced up the two days beauty contest with their traditional Otjiherero songs and stylish dances, turning the whole showpiece into one that filled the audience with joy and laughter.