Patience Makwele
The Miss Namibia Organisation has called on the public to support contestants in the Miss Namibia 2026 competition.
This followed criticism about contestant Albertina Haimbala, who served as a judge during the 2024 Miss Namibia competition and is now competing in the 2026 contest.
In a media statement on Tuesday, the organisation said all contestants are subject to the same eligibility requirements and screening standards.
The organisation said there are no rules preventing former judges, masters of ceremonies, experienced models or previous contestants with pageant experience from entering the competition if they meet the official entry requirements.
“All contestants underwent the same application and screening process and are held to the exact same standards,” the organisation said.
The Miss Namibia Organisation, which is powered by the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), said judging panels are appointed each year to ensure independence in the evaluation process.
“This ensures that each year’s selection process is conducted by a new and independent panel of judges,” the statement said.
The organisation added that eligibility requirements are clearly outlined in the official entry documentation.
This, it said, included citizenship, age limits, height criteria and adherence to the organisation’s code of conduct.
Contestants must also confirm that the information submitted during the application process is accurate and agree to obey the rules governing the competition.
The Miss Namibia organisation said the national pageant operates under standards aligned with those of the Miss Universe organisation.
The Miss Namibia revealed the Top 20 semi-finalists for Miss Namibia 2026 over the weekend.
The top 20 semi-finalists are Ashley Witbooi, Albertina Haimbala, Loini Jonas, Tamson Gawachas, Dolly Mootu, Jatjizavi Kavendjaa, Constancia Kamburona, Ailly Uukule, Albyn Van Wyk, Jada Tati, Rechelle Hamases, Loide Nghuulondo, Kaino Jona, Maria Kamhulu, Lucia Kapolo, Wilmien De Villiers, Kaveidi Ndume, Inaamune Karuaihe, Kaviao Katjerungu and Charene Labuschagne.
Some former contestants and pageant followers have shared concerns on social media.
One former contestant said a former judge could potentially be “ahead of the other girls” because of their familiarity with the organisation’s expectations.
Meanwhile, influencer Tala Hashipala, popularly known as Tala da Costa, said public discussion is common in pageantry.
“Pageant contestants step into a space where they become public figures,” he wrote, adding that visibility brings analysis, praise and criticism from audiences.
Hashipala said pageant followers often analyse contestants’ stage presence, confidence and performance during question-and-answer segments.
He noted that such discussions are common in pageant communities around the world.
Some people warned that strong criticism online could place pressure on contestants participating in the competition.
The Miss Namibia 2026 preliminary competition is scheduled to take place on 9 May 2026.
