Miss Energy pageant returns

WindhoekGordon Joseph The return of the Miss Energy 100FM beauty pageant was last week announced by the radio station. The beauty competition is staged with the aim of raising funds for charity projects and finding an ambassador for the Energy 100 brand. The pageant was first hosted in 2003, with the winner spearheading the radio station's charity projects. These include those supporting primary school learners from previously disadvantaged communities. One such project is the Farm 6 project. Farm 6 is the home of a San community that the station sponsors with funds, as well as stationery, toys, clothing, gardening tools and food. The pageant was, however, halted for a few years and spokesperson for the station, Emma Emcy Areses, promises that this year it will be bigger and better. The theme for this year's event is Celebrating Namibian Women. Areses said this year's pageant will take a stand against gender-based violence that has become a national problem. “The pageant will be a platform for us to recognise the beauty of Namibian women and appreciate women from all spheres of life,” Areses said. The event promises to be an extravagant red carpet affair and is set to take place on October 4 at Windhoek's posh Hilton Hotel, while the line-up of performers is yet to be announced. Namibian women between the ages of 18 and 25 are encouraged to take part in the pageant. The application process has started and closes on September 17. Application forms for the pageant are available on the station's website, energy100fm.com, as well as Young Ones in Swakopmund and Nelao Photography in Walvis Bay. Chairperson of the pageant's committee, Helena Ngaifiwa, said they will also offer leadership seminars to participants.