Savouring opportunities Mr and Miss Supranational titles offer
EING crowned Miss and Mister Supranational Namibia 2023 are dreams come true for both Romiley Hoffman and Malan Van den Berg
The two stepped into their new roles some two weeks ago after being crowned at the Safari Court Hotel in a glittery finale attended by, among others, Miss Supranational 2021 Chanique Rabe, from Namibia, and Miss Supranational 2022 from South Africa Lalela Mswane.
Hoffman is excited at what her reign has in store for her, and can’t wait to make a difference and impact the lives of those around her. Having participated in two other pageants previously – Miss Teen Namibia in 2018 and Miss Namibia 2022 – Hoffman said those contests laid the foundation for competing in Miss Supranational Namibia this year.
“These experiences taught me that there is always room for improvement and that you shouldn’t doubt yourself.
Authenticity, passion and staying true to who I am are key for me and I will uphold these during my reign,” she told VIBEZ!
Hoffman said the title provides her with a platform to speak about what she is passionate about, which is emphasising the value of education and developing skills.
“Miss Supranational Namibia is about transformation and this gives me the opportunity to bring positive change in my community. I want to ensure that my foundation is launched and that we implement our vision to touch as many lives as possible.”
While concentrating on her industrial psychology studies at Unam, Hoffman is also focused on representing Namibia at the Miss Supranational competition in Poland in July.
Hoffman strives to be the example of what it means to try again and again, saying one shouldn’t stop trying because they didn’t succeed; rather learn from it
and come back stronger.
Her motto is: “Do everything from love and not for love then you won’t long for external validation”. She further said humility is understanding that you need help, so learn and take it all in. “Understand that the journey is tough but you will come out stronger and you will meet wonderful people that will fulfil you in ways that you never imagined. Find an anchor, so you remain grounded; it starts with understanding yourself. Soak it all in and enjoy every moment of your journey.”
On his part, Van den Berg said winning the title is not just for him; it’s for every person that has a dream.
He said he attended previous Miss and Mister Supranational events and has been following the global competition, which prepared him to be emotionally ready for this journey which he is committed to from the start.
Van den Berg entered the pageant because of what the organisation stands for – to be “aspirational and inspirational” – which he says aligns with his personal purpose.
“It’s a lot of hard work and perseverance and this was the year I felt that I could do it,” he noted.
A manager at the Westair Group of Companies, Van den Berg said the title will help him be the influencer and role model he wished he had when he was younger. He wants his legacy to be that he had succeeded in this.
Apart from preparing for the international competition, Van den Berg is working on a new project called ‘The Ground Up’, which will focus on helping babies survive and offering counselling, guidance, and support to any child or parent who is facing trials and tribulations while empowering others to be the best versions of themselves and to live a life of purpose.
“As someone that actually contemplated if I should compete, I can stand here today and attest to the fact that without Mister Supranational, I would not have the confidence and self-belief that I have today. I can say with such joy, peace, and love in my heart that it’s because of this journey that I can stand here today with a full heart. Don’t doubt yourself; you should enter, it’s absolutely worth it,” he concluded.