WINDHOEK - Twenty-one year-old Tsakana Nkandih from Tsumeb was crowned as Miss Namibia 2012 in the capital on Saturday evening. Patricia Hanstein (23) was crowned as first princess, and Monique Peters, also from Windhoek, as second princess.

Tsumeb-born Ottilie Ambata (22) was chosen as Miss Photogenic, while Claudia Haipya (22) from Windhoek was crowned as Miss Personality, and Wilna Konjore (22) from Mariental as the public’s choice.

Among other prizes, Nkandih won the use of a Toyota Etios 1.5 Hatchback for one year courtesy of Pupkewitz Toyota, petrol for all official duties from Shell Namibia, a weekend with a partner in the Presidential Suite at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort (WCCR), and a current account, including a cash prize from Standard Bank Namibia.

Executive Director of the Miss Namibia Pageant, Conny Maritz, said during the crowning event that Miss Namibia ultimately represents her country and its people, both at national and international events. She said that together with the honours and the prizes come the duties and responsibilities associated with the Miss Namibia title.

Miss Namibia is afforded a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many Namibians and to promote her country’s interest.

“We as organisers of the pageant can only create the opportunity and assist her along the way, how she seizes the occasion and what she eventually makes of it depends on her individual personality, convictions and commitment,” Maritz said.

During her reign, Miss Namibia 2011, Luzaan van Wyk, distributed blankets to residents of the Katutura Old Age Home, and visited the Mukka’s Day Care Centre, a safe haven for children.

In conjunction with Torga Optical, Van Wyk assisted children from a pre-primary school in Windhoek to undergo free eye-screening in order to identify any problems that might result in learning disabilities and other related problems.

Accompanied by Grade 3 learners from the Windhoek Afrikaans Private School, she visited the Children’s Development Foundation Centre in Otjomuise.

“There were so many events I attended in various parts of the country for fundraising, but the one I will cherish forever is my trip to the north - Ondangwa, Ongwediva and Oshakati - to raise funds for premature babies,” said Van Wyk.