Second Namibian takes on pageant in Japan

by PINEHAS NAKAZIKO Entertainment | 2022-05-18

INTERNATIONAL and local model Erika Kazombaruru (23) will be the second representative from Namibia to be gracing the Miss International beauty pageant in Japan this year.

She follows in the footsteps of former Miss Namibia Paulina Malulu, who represented the country at this pageant 10 years ago.

Miss International is scheduled to take place in December under the theme 'Cheer All Women'.

Kazombaruru says she has been preparing for the pageant since last year, after winning the Miss Beauty of Africa International 2021 and Best National Costume International 2021 categories of the virtual Beauty of Africa International 2021 in Nigeria.

Kazombaruru is currently signed under the Beauty of Africa International Pageant in Namibia, and says she is proud to have been given the opportunity by the organisation to represent Namibia.

She says her biggest dream has been to participate in Miss International.

She says she loves modelling, and has a special place in her heart for pageants.

Kazombaruru is also passionate about charity work and says she wants to promote culture through friendship, as she is from a mixed cultural background.

Her mother is from the Owambo tribe and her father from the Ovaherero tribe.

“People often think I am from a different tribe, which actually makes me happy, as I know I resemble Namibia's diversity,” she says.

Kazombaruru says she is determined to bring home Africa's first Miss International crown.

“I have the right team and people behind me,” she says.

“I am happy to have a team from Namibia that is helping me prepare mentally and physically for this big event.”

The Miss International pageant this year celebrates its 60th edition.

It shared on its website that candidates will be taking part in advocacies, challenges and activities in partnership with the United Nations in their respective regions and countries that promote the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Beauties for SDGs is Miss International's humble way to utilise our national titleholders' influence in spreading awareness, as well as actively taking part in SDG initiatives in their own country or region,” it states.

https://www.namibian.com.na/112666/read/Second-Namibian-takes-on-pageant-in-Japan