By Rinelda Mouton
The Miss Namibia 2026 Top 10 finalists were recently announced, and Confidente spoke to some of the contestants about their journeys, aspirations, and what they would focus on if crowned.
Charene Labuschagne (27) from Windhoek said making the Top 10 is an honour and privilege she does not take lightly.
She said she entered the pageant to contribute meaningfully to Namibia through conversations around entrepreneurship, the creative economy, tourism, and empowerment, particularly for young women navigating identity and independence in modern Namibia.
“My journey this far has pushed me to consistently improve my abilities, so having my hard work recognised is incredibly rewarding. It feels like destiny to be bestowed this sash, and I’m more determined than ever to elevate, both for personal growth and my duty to my motherland,” Labuschagne said.
She noted that if she becomes Miss Namibia 2026, she would use her reign to champion a more empowered and self-defined Namibia through entrepreneurship, creative industries, and sustainable community development.
She said her mission is to equip Namibians, especially women and young people, with tools, confidence, and opportunities to build independent lives.
“Through my ‘Thrive Collective’ initiative and the Miss Namibia plat- form, I will focus on creating access around entrepreneurship, tourism, and the creative industries, sectors I believe hold enormous potential for Namibia’s future. At a time when unemployment and inequality re- main pressing national challenges, we must move people from dependency to possibility,” she said.
Dolly Mootu (28) from Tsumeb said she entered the pageant because she was seeking a platform aligned with her values and saw it as an opportunity to create lasting impact.
Through her advocacy initiative, ‘Above Borders Namibia’, Mootu hopes to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Forestry on clean-up campaigns and encourage communities to take responsibility for their surroundings. She also aims to introduce agricultural projects that can support vulnerable individuals.
“Growing up in an environment that was not always conducive, and looking at communities today, I have noticed that many individuals wait for local authorities to create change. I believe real change comes from within the community,” Mootu explained.
She added that she wants to use her story to inspire those who have lost hope and no longer believe they can achieve their goals.
Albertina Haimbala (26), from Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, said making the Top 10 feels like a second chance.
“I feel blessed and grateful to have been given a second chance. I came back knowing exactly who I am and what I stand for, and how best I can represent my country with grace and purpose. I know what it means for a young girl from a small community to see herself reflected on a national platform,” according to Haimbala.
She said she wants to use her reign to inspire hope and highlight the strength and resilience of Namibians.
Kaino Jona (23) said she wants to use the platform to inspire young people to believe in their purpose and potential. Through her advocacy, ‘Positioned for Purpose’, she aims to promote conversations around growth, opportunity, and self-belief.
“I entered because I wanted to challenge myself and step into spaces that once felt out of reach. Pageantry has saved my life, and this has always been a personal goal. Beyond the crown, I saw an opportunity for growth and representation,” Jona said.
Rechelle Hamases (25) from Windhoek said she wants to use the platform to impact lives across Namibia. If she wins, she plans to educate people about their legal rights and raise awareness around access to justice and equal opportunities.
She said she would also partner with institutions committed to nation-building and meaningful change.
“Our country’s growth depends on active, informed, and empowered citizens. Namibia has so much potential, and we are capable of meaningful progress when people are equipped with knowledge and given opportunities to contribute,” Hamases said.
