Her time to shine

WindhoekGordon Joseph Held annually at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino, Miss Namibia is a celebration of beauty with purpose and seeks to find an ambassador who can gracefully and eloquently inspire a nation. The pageant turns ordinary young ladies into overnight sensations. Over the years, Miss Namibia winners have gone on to establish and support charity organisations long after their reigns have ended. We take a look at some of the past winners, who have made their mark in one or another. 1.Michelle Mclean Michelle McLean remains the most successful Miss Namibia ever. While her height is what captures ones attention first, it is her kind spirit and commitment towards improving the lives of children that makes her the most loved Miss Namibia. In 1991, Michelle came close to winning the Miss World crown and finished in the top five. Her captivating personality, vast beauty and intelligence won her the title of Miss Universe in 1992. She was the first titleholder from Africa since Margaret Gardiner in 1978. In 1992 Michelle founded the Michelle McLean Children's Trust in Namibia, which focuses on the education and care of underprivileged children. She was also instrumental in bringing the Miss Universe pageant to Namibia in 1995. She lives in South Africa and is married to former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey. 2. Ndapewa Alfons Ndapewa was crowned Miss Namibia in 2002. She is still described by many as a shy girl with undeniable beauty. In 2003, Ndapewa narrowly missed a chance to win the Miss Universe crown, a feat only achieved by one other Miss Namibia winner. Ndapewa finished among the top 10 finalists that year. And although she didn't win, it was Namibia's second best showing at the Miss Universe pageant. She now lives in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. 3. Anna Nashandi Anna Nashandi was crowned Miss Namibia in 2006. She wowed judges with her warmth and humility. Dressed in a black gown, the petite young girl crept into our hearts, when she was left both smiling and sobbing on stage after winning. Anna enchanted with the same kind of elegance and grace at the Miss World pageant that same year, where she finished in the top 17. 4. Barbara Kahatjipara This 1,83m beauty with a deep voice has had her share of life's ups and downs, but still manages to looks as beautiful as she did when she first won the crown. She is also well-known for her eloquence and has hosted numerous social events. Barbara completed a BA degree in international politics at the University of Cape Town and also holds an MBA in marketing. She is currently an independent consultant in marketing and strategy. Barbara won the hearts of both judges and fellow contestants and was crowned as Miss Congeniality at Miss Universe in 1994. 5. Odile Gertze Odile Madeline Gertze is Windhoek-grown beauty queen. She was crowned Miss Namibia in 2010. Gertze graduated from the Elizabeth Galloway Fashion Academy in South Africa in 2009. While she was studying she took the opportunity to gain modelling experience. Odile, who is 1,69m tall, went on to become a top 25 finalist at the 2010 Miss World pageant held in Sanya, China.