Traditional authorities in the Zambezi Region have welcomed the hosting of Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia next year.

Masubia Traditional Authority, Ngambela Raphael Mbala, encouraged the community to capitalise on the event.

"I hope our people, as you requested, are part of this, and try by now even the traditional authority itself must tell its people that those people who are coming here want most of our traditional things, like the clay pots and the mats."

Miss Namibia Organisations National Director Beulah Boois-Beukes said the pageant would provide an opportunity to showcase the region's richness.

"We also use the footage, especially for the winning finalist. We also use that footage for Miss Universe, so it's also a way to show off what each tradition has and what the region as a whole has."

During the engagement, the Masubia Traditional Authority, however, expressed concern that storytelling and poetry programmes have become less prominent.

The traditional authority also urged NBC to maintain strict editorial standards and avoid airing content that could create divisions among communities or undermine unity.

Joseph Mbuche, an Induna in the Masubia Traditional Authority, expressed, "Many a time when women are given the opportunity to lead, they make their tenure a positive one by meeting with the elders."

The Mayeyi Traditional Authority's Ngambela, Calvin Shozi said, the hosting of the beauty pageant presents an opportunity for contestants to learn about the responsibilities that come with such platforms.

"So they need to promote these things so that when we also hear that they are promoting Miss Namibia and Miss Batsara in our mother tongue, when you launched Miss Namibia, that was a great thing that we had not seen yet in our region."

Namibian Broadcasting's Director General, Menesia Muinjo said the hosting of the pageants has potential economic benefits to the region.

On content, the Director General said cultural activities are another area where traditional authorities could explore stronger partnerships.

"This is how many other cultural events and festivals have grown. So we can look at the potential MoU, and then we can always promote the event as it is coming up."

She says such an agreement could provide a framework for the two sides to jointly promote annual cultural events, including exploring possibilities for live broadcasts and streaming