The newly crowned Miss Kaite 2025, Zandre Josephs, is calling for more awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and empower individuals to prioritise their mental well-being. 

The 22-year-old beauty queen said that more needs to be done to advocate for improved mental health policies and encourage community engagement. 

Josephs spoke to NBC News on the sidelines of the ongoing Annual Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo. 

 Josephs was born in Keetmanshoop and holds a bachelor's degree in junior primary education.

 She said that many young girls lack confidence and, as a result, compromise their well-being and pledged to use her reigning year to advocate for youth mental well-being. 

"Health is something that should always come first. If you feel you are a little bit anxious or depressed, always talk to someone. If it is not your parents, talk to your teacher, a pastor or a close friend, someone that you can trust. So the girls out there, be strong, take care of yourselves, and always help each other."

Her 2025 Miss Expo runners-up agree, saying the Miss Kaite pageant has the potential to promote confidence among young women.

The three beauty queens will work closely with other stakeholders to address issues around mental health and find solutions to address stigma and encourage open dialogue on mental well-being.