The Namibian University of Science and Technology (Nust) Mister and Miss Nust annual pageant, has returned since the last event hosted pre-pandemic in 2019.
The top university campuses in Windhoek, including the University of Namibia (Unam) and the International University of Management (IUM), showcased their best talented students in beauty pageant competitions, held last month and this month.
Let us meet the universities’ royalty class of 2023. Unam central campus was the first to welcome its new Miss Unam 2023, Kaino Jona. In an interview with Afterbreak Magazine, Jona shared what motivated her to participate in the university’s pageant. Meanwhile, Naledi Nakuta said the new Miss Unam is an advocate for youth empowerment and development. She says she has witnessed firsthand how society is flooded with potential and brilliant minds. She believes the shortcomings lie in the lack of support, recognition and edification of the youth by society. Jona believes in the upliftment of the youth and opts to change the narrative of stagnancy amongst the young demographic,.
“As Miss Unam, I’m ready to serve. Although I’ve reached new heights that will change my life, I’ll always remember to send the elevator back down to the ground floor for others to follow. I’m ready to be a tangible representation of a dream realized,” the new queen said.
She says the Miss Unam platform is relevant now more than ever. “Countless students are beginning to recognise how impactful and groundbreaking it is,” Jona said.
Mbutikie Hindjou (21), an honours student in junior primary education and Hertha Iipinge (21), a student perusing her love for teaching, were crowned Mister and Miss IUM 2023, respectively.
The first time pageant contestant, Hindjou, revealed that his ultimate goal as Mister IUM is to push for a gender-balanced society. One that equally provides opportunities of growth, development and encouragement for both genders.
“Our society has been plagued with drastic inequality, inequity and gender disparities at national and global scale. Lack of social cohesion and coherency in the functionality of the societies today is indicative of this, such as an increase in crime rate, depression, hopelessness and inherent loss of humanity and its essence. These are the reasons that sparked my drive to enter for Mister IUM 2023,” Hindjou said.
POWER OF DREAMS
Iipinge, on the other hand, aims to use her platform as Miss IUM to amplify her advocacy on quality education and the empowerment of young Namibian minds.
“Winning this title isn’t about a sash and a crown. This victory is a testament to the power of dreams, determination and unwavering faith. As I step into this new chapter I’m committed to making a positive impact in my university and using this platform to uplift and inspire the Namibian youth to chase their dreams fearlessly,” Iipinge said.
IUM’s new queen promises to wear the crown with grace, humility and a heart full of love.
Erasmus Endyala (20) is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Nust.
“I have always wanted to be a model, a fashion model to be specific. So, when this opportunity presented itself I decided to try it out and it also reminded me of beauty pageants back in high school when I was still in Walvis Bay. So, the nostalgia excited me,” said the newly crowned Mister Nust.
“I’m not one that really talks about my goals. All I can really say is that I want to have a great impact on the youth. One of my goals is to touch on mental health among young people,” Endyala said.
Leena Lindiwe Mugena (23) is a software engineering student at Nust, influencer, model and owns a small cleaning and errands running business for clients. “What actually sparked my interest in beauty pageants was literally just watching toddlers in tiaras to a point where I started watching bigger pageants. I believe I’m born a star, it’s a calling and I feel I’m never going to stop here. I just believe I’ve bigger things to achieve,” she said.
Mugena said her biggest goal is to invest time into her organisation called Teen Purpose Africa, which she believes will take Africa somewhere. “I really love to change lives. But I’ve a bigger vision as well, I just believe one day I can win Miss Namibia and after so many years of Namibia not winning Miss Universe, that’s my biggest goal. And I’m going to start working on it already,” Mugena said.
“I’d also like to inspire the young ones to really take part in Miss Nust and other beauty pageants because through beauty pageants you really get to know so much about yourself,” she said.
– Afterbreak Magazine
