Aurelia Samuyenga's second bid for the crown
Aurelia Samuyenga, one of the top 10 finalists for Miss Namibia 2024, brings a unique blend of experience, authenticity, and advocacy to this year’s competition.
In an exclusive interview with the tjil, she reflects on her journey, aspirations, and the causes close to her heart.
This isn’t her first time taking part in this competition. When asked what the difference between the first one and this time around is, Samuyenga, shared that the first time was in 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Everything was chaotic, and the pageant was no different. We were all trying to navigate the new normal. This year, there are new sponsors on board, and we've travelled a lot, which has been a highlight. Back then, we couldn't have a live audience, so I walked on stage with just the panel and the production crew. Now, walking in front of a live audience is much more enjoyable,” she said.
Reflecting on her motivation, Samuyenga revealed why she joined Miss Namibia. “In 2017, I watched a beauty pageant for the first time—it was Miss Universe, won by Miss South Africa. I thought, if South Africa can do it, why can't we achieve that feat? I want to give Namibia that international win. I’m not just trying to be Miss Namibia; I want to conquer the world stage,” she added.
When asked about her goals for this year’s competition, Samuyenga emphasizes authenticity. “My first goal is to be truly authentic, to be truly Aurelia. In pageants, you receive a lot of advice on how a queen should be, how Miss Namibia should act, and that can dim our personalities. This time, I want to showcase the real me.”
The conversation then shifts to climate change, a pressing global issue. “Climate change has led to many natural disasters. As a country, we don’t contribute much to this crisis, but we are among the most affected. We are doing well with the green hydrogen phenomenon, and the best we can do is help other countries reduce their emissions.”
Finally, when asked about her advocacy focus if she were to win, Samuyenga highlights financial literacy. “I am an advocate for financial literacy. Many of us don’t know how to manage our money because no one taught us this knowledge. I want to help Namibians in this regard.”
Aurelia Samuyenga’s journey in Miss Namibia 2024 is marked by a desire to remain true to herself and to make a meaningful impact on her community. With her focus on authenticity and advocacy, she is poised to inspire many on both the national and international stages.
In an exclusive interview with the tjil, she reflects on her journey, aspirations, and the causes close to her heart.
This isn’t her first time taking part in this competition. When asked what the difference between the first one and this time around is, Samuyenga, shared that the first time was in 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Everything was chaotic, and the pageant was no different. We were all trying to navigate the new normal. This year, there are new sponsors on board, and we've travelled a lot, which has been a highlight. Back then, we couldn't have a live audience, so I walked on stage with just the panel and the production crew. Now, walking in front of a live audience is much more enjoyable,” she said.
Reflecting on her motivation, Samuyenga revealed why she joined Miss Namibia. “In 2017, I watched a beauty pageant for the first time—it was Miss Universe, won by Miss South Africa. I thought, if South Africa can do it, why can't we achieve that feat? I want to give Namibia that international win. I’m not just trying to be Miss Namibia; I want to conquer the world stage,” she added.
When asked about her goals for this year’s competition, Samuyenga emphasizes authenticity. “My first goal is to be truly authentic, to be truly Aurelia. In pageants, you receive a lot of advice on how a queen should be, how Miss Namibia should act, and that can dim our personalities. This time, I want to showcase the real me.”
The conversation then shifts to climate change, a pressing global issue. “Climate change has led to many natural disasters. As a country, we don’t contribute much to this crisis, but we are among the most affected. We are doing well with the green hydrogen phenomenon, and the best we can do is help other countries reduce their emissions.”
Finally, when asked about her advocacy focus if she were to win, Samuyenga highlights financial literacy. “I am an advocate for financial literacy. Many of us don’t know how to manage our money because no one taught us this knowledge. I want to help Namibians in this regard.”
Aurelia Samuyenga’s journey in Miss Namibia 2024 is marked by a desire to remain true to herself and to make a meaningful impact on her community. With her focus on authenticity and advocacy, she is poised to inspire many on both the national and international stages.
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