Samuyenga's second bid for the crown
One of the top 10 finalists for Miss Namibia 2024, Aurelia Samuyenga brings a unique blend of experience, authenticity and advocacy to this year’s competition.
In an exclusive interview with the tjil, she reflected on her journey, aspirations and the causes close to her heart.
She revealed that this isn’t her first time taking part in the competition. When asked what the difference between her first try and this time is, she 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 signed up for Miss Namibia. “In 2017, I watched a beauty pageant for the first time - it was Miss Universe, won by Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh Tebow. 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 said.
Asked about her goals for this year’s competition, Samuyenga emphasised 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, she highlighted financial literacy. “Many of us don’t know how to manage our money because no one taught us about it. I want to help Namibians in this regard.”
With her journey marked by a desire to remain true to herself and to make a meaningful impact on her community, Samuyenga is poised to inspire - both on national and international stages.
In an exclusive interview with the tjil, she reflected on her journey, aspirations and the causes close to her heart.
She revealed that this isn’t her first time taking part in the competition. When asked what the difference between her first try and this time is, she 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 signed up for Miss Namibia. “In 2017, I watched a beauty pageant for the first time - it was Miss Universe, won by Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh Tebow. 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 said.
Asked about her goals for this year’s competition, Samuyenga emphasised 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, she highlighted financial literacy. “Many of us don’t know how to manage our money because no one taught us about it. I want to help Namibians in this regard.”
With her journey marked by a desire to remain true to herself and to make a meaningful impact on her community, Samuyenga is poised to inspire - both on national and international stages.
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