Twenty-seven-year-old creative director Charene Labuschagne from Windhoek has been crowned Miss Namibia 2026.
The main sponsors of the event, among others, are Debmarine Namibia and the National Housing Enterprise.
Beating ten other top contestants from across the country at the glittering finale at Die Dam Resort in Gobabis, Labuschagne captured the judges’ hearts with her advocacy for female entrepreneurship.
Labuschagne’s vision is to empower women to become financially independent through entrepreneurship.
“Through Thrive Collective, I’ve learned that the opportunities that change us rarely arrive as open doors. More often, they begin as possibility, an idea, a conversation, a skill or someone who helps you see a future you hadn’t imagined before. Through workshops and partnerships with businesses, mentors and community organisations, Thrive Collective has connected women in Erongo, Khomas and Omaheke with entrepreneurial skills, meaningful resources and helped them see the opportunities already within their communities,” she said.
Rechelle Hamases was named first runner-up, while Albertina Haimbala finished as second runner-up.
Miss Namibia 2025 Johanna Swartbooi handed over the crown, ending her reign and closing a remarkable chapter.
“This crown didn’t just change how the world saw me. It changed how I saw my country, and it deepened my understanding of what it truly means to serve. Through the Ngabo Initiative, I witnessed young people discover the power of their own creativity and dreams. A simple bead, a painted wall, and a shared vision became reminders that every child deserves the possibility to see a reflection of what can be. Yet some of the most meaningful moments happened so far away from the spotlight,” Swartbooi said.
Debmarine sponsored the event to the tune of US$2.5 million, and the winners will walk away with various prizes such as a house, a car, fuel and livestock, as well as gifts in kind.
Miss Namibia will receive a house from the National Housing Enterprise in the town of her choice, among other gifts to celebrate her achievement.
Miss Namibia Organisation National Director Beaulah Boois-Beukes described Miss Namibia as a national effort.
“I just want to say thank you very much to our sponsors and our partners, especially Debmarine Namibia, for bringing us to this point, for investing, for partnering, for being there, for serving with this committee that we have. To the NBC leadership, the board, the director-general, thank you for your support,” she said.
Her predecessor, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, thanked Namibians and the international community for their continued support of the Miss Namibia Organisation.
Labuschagne will represent Namibia at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico, where she is expected to showcase the country’s beauty, culture and values on the global stage.