Emilie Shimbali
Mathilde Hinanifa, a student at the College of the Arts, is gearing up to represent Namibia at the maiden Miss Premium Africa beauty pageant.
The event is to be held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria next month.
Miss Premium Africa is a continental beauty pageant focused on not only crowning beauty queens, but is also aimed at supporting female youth and showcasing the beautiful culture and tourism opportunities in Africa.
The pageant, which has attracted participation from 22 African countries, is also centred on the reorientation of African values, social and cultural integration, talent and skills acquisition and capacity building, among others.
Hinanifa auditioned and was selected by organisers.
However, with just a few weeks left before the contest starts, the 23-year-old Hinanifa is struggling to raise enough money to cover her expenses. Her total budget is N$29 000, and includes flight tickets, pocket money and accommodation.
She humbly requests the people of Namibia to help with donations of N$50 or more.
“Representing Namibia at Miss Premium Africa will allow me to show the rest of Africa the beauty we have, the incredible diversity we have and how we celebrate it. I want to make the land of the brave proud, and show the beauty of our culture on stage. I can’t wait to turn my dream into reality,” she told Youth Corner.
Hinanifa, who is also a media practitioner, recently won second place at the 2020 Merck Foundation More than a Mother Africa Media Awards competition.
Her modelling career started back in high school and she has participated in competitions like Miss Okahandja Expo 2019.
“I am passionate about youth living with disabilities and this opportunity will help open doors to inspire and motivate them as I plan to create a charity organisation to support people with disabilities in Namibia,” she said.
She can be contacted on 0816695590 for donations or more information.