Haimbala to contest Miss Earth 2024
Albertina Haimbala, the first runner-up for Miss Namibia 2023, is excited about her Miss Earth journey. The Miss Namibia Organisation (MNO) announced this week that Haimbala will represent Namibia at the Miss Earth 2024 beauty pageant, instead of the Miss World Beauty Festival.
Haimbala, known for her grace and poise, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country on the global stage.
Speaking to VIBEZ! she expressed respect for the Miss World Organisation.
“This redirection still offers me the opportunity to represent my country, as I have always dreamed of doing,” she said.
Asked about her readiness for the competition, she said her preparations are still the same, the only difference is the change of advocacy. The Miss Earth Organisation focuses on combating environmental issues and raising awareness of sustainability. In the meantime, she has already familiarised herself with the organisation as she has been following it for a couple of years.
“As a Namibian child, all I can be on an international stage is being authentically myself and true to my values and culture. There’s nothing that can beat a proud representative. Being present as a Namibian ambassador is the first step to showcasing our beautiful culture, and showing it in the form of beauty, arts and talent,” Haimbala said.
She added that being the first runner-up is like being the vice president. “When the queen is not able to fulfil her duties, you step in as the first runner-up. This has prepared me to be mentally, emotionally and physically ready for any responsibility and duties that come myway in life and to handle situations under great pressure or circumstances.”
Haimbala is also one of the Miss Namibia 2024 judges. She hails from Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, and is a model, fitness enthusiast and advocate. With numerous pageant titles to her name, she founded the Haimbala Foundation, advocating for children with disabilities. She recently ventured into hairstyling, and continues to empower others through her talents.
As of 8 May 2024, 18 contestants had confirmed their participation in the 24th edition of the Miss Earth pageant, and Haimbala is one of them.
Drita Ziri of Albania will crown her successor at the end of the event on a date and at a venue still to be announced. Her crowning took place in Vietnam in December last year.
The MNO CEO Umbi Karuaihe-Upi explained that in September 2022, the organisation decided to send the winner of the Miss Namibia competition, as well as the first and second runners-up to three major international competitions - the Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Earth pageants - to give more Namibian women a chance to represent the country on international platforms.
“This has worked very well because the organisation was able to give opportunities to more Namibian women to showcase Namibia, as well as to create growth in their respective areas of interest,” she said.
Karuaihe-Upi added that she is proud that Miss Namibia 2022 Cassia Sharpley represented Namibia at the 71st edition of Miss Universe in New Orleans. Miss Namibia’s first runner-up in 2022, Leone van Jaarsveld, represented Namibia at the 71st edition of Miss World in Mumbai, India and made it to the Top Four in the fitness category in the African continent and Top 32 in the Miss World fitness overall category. The second runner-up for 2022, Diana Andimba was placed in the Top 20 in the Miss Earth International 2022 in Manila, Philippines, and won the best Eco-Video for the African continent.
Miss Teen Namibia 2022 Zoe Karsten also did extremely well, being placed in the top 16, of the Miss Teen International 2023 in Phnom Phen, Cambodia.
The same pattern continued with Miss Namibia 2023 when Jameela /Uiras made history by being placed in the top 20 at the 72nd Miss Universe. She did this after a hiatus of 20 years from the last time Miss Namibia was placed. The second runner-up, Martha Kautanevali, participated at the Miss Earth International 2023, and today she is one of the most outstanding emerging young leaders in the country.
The impact on the MNO is that only the national winner of the Miss Namibia 2024 will be sent to Miss Universe 2024, which will take place in Mexico in September 2024. The first and second runners-up will not represent Namibia at any international stage this year. Any further announcement will be made accordingly, should the need arise, said Karuaihe-Upi.
“Our aim is to create a stepping stone for Namibian youth and women to excel in their respective fields of interest, and to prepare outstanding leaders for our country. Additionally, the MNO endeavours to honour our titleholders with a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to showcase their excellence,” she added.
Karuaihe-Upi noted that pageants are expensive, and take tremendous input from all stakeholders to achieve intended goals. “Therefore, the organisation will ensure its title holders compete on an equal standing like all other international participants.”
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