Lindiwe Mungena: A journey of growth and discovery

• Shining bright on Namibia’s grand stage
From leadership lessons to a passion for culture, the Miss Namibia finalist reflects on her transformative journey.
Michael Kayunde
Few experiences are as transformative as the journey of a Miss Namibia finalist. Lindiwe Mungena, who is part of the 2024 top 10, sat down with tjil to share her insights and reflections on this remarkable ride.

When asked about her most memorable moment thus far, Mungena highlighted the preliminary night. She said making it to the top 10 was a moment "filled with excitement and pride". "I'll always cherish that memory. It's been an amazing experience so far,” she recalled.

The Miss Namibia competition has proven to be a profound learning experience for Mungena. Despite her extensive background in leadership roles since the age of 16, she discovered new dimensions of personal growth. "I thought I knew a lot about people skills, but being in the Miss Namibia competition has truly challenged my interpersonal skills," she admitted.

"It's where reality hits, and you're pushed to grow in that area. Also, knowing what you stand for and being bold about shedding light on what society needs is a powerful personal growth moment. It's amazing how this journey has helped me learn more about myself and my beliefs."

A deeper love for Namibia

The experience has also deepened her appreciation for Namibia's rich cultural heritage, she noted. A visit to the Zambezi Region left a lasting impact on Mungena. "It really made me fall in love with Namibia even more. It's amazing to see how deeply rooted Namibians are in their culture and upbringing," she said. "The traditional practices, like gender roles and using traditional methods for medication, show the rich heritage of our country. It's truly special to witness these aspects and grow more passionate about preserving our traditions."

As she looks ahead, the beauty queen has clear aspirations for her potential reign as Miss Namibia. "I am truly passionate about creating a more balanced and inclusive society by addressing the challenges we face and promoting positive masculinity," she explained. "It's important to me to establish a safe space where both men and women can come together to embrace gender equality. I believe that by empowering individuals of all genders, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join us in this crucial mission."

Balancing act

Balancing her responsibilities as a student and a model is no small feat, yet Mungena has found an effective approach. "Balancing between modelling and studying can be quite a juggle, but I make sure to use a planner, allocate specific hours for both studying and modelling tasks, and prioritise my work," she said. "Staying focused and organised really helps me manage my time effectively and maintain performance in both areas."

The Miss Namibia 2024 crowning event is set to take place in July in Lüderitz. tjil will run weekly profiles on the top 10 finalists leading up to the ceremony.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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