Republikein Newspaper

Irene-Mari van der Walt

Swakopmund • [email protected]

Despite the cancellation of the Mr Teen Swakopmund 2020, the Miss Teen Swakopmund 2020 pageant went ahead at Swakopmund on Saturday evening.

Emmerencia Eises, Miss Teen Swakopmund 2020, said she was overjoyed at the title. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was looking at the other girls thinking they would win, but I am beyond happy,” she said.

Judges Babitjie Franz, Olivia Christians and Maria Ugams all agreed that they were looking for a young lady who would put her community first.

“I think our winner should put the needs of others before herself,” said Christians before the crowning.

The theme of the pageant was ‘All Over the World’ and the contestants had to represent other countries. The winner represented Egypt while Grace Awaras represented the one and only Land of the Brave before being crowned first princess.

Emmerencia Eiases, who represented Saudi Arabia, was crowned second princess.

Loide Asino, who represented China, was crowned Miss Congeniality and Amoret Crugeiras (Canada) was named Most Photogenic.

Venezuela representative Aina Bauleth won the public vote.

Sashmilke Kubas was awarded for her outstanding commitment, but only managed to make the top five.

Miss Teen Swakopmund 2019, Renella Matthews, shared that the Covid-19 pandemic severely complicated her duties, but she added that plans to complete tasks digitally were swiftly made.

Matthews said studies would be her first priority after handing over the crown. “Since I am in matric, I am focusing on going to university and completing my dream to become an actuary.”

Jonathan Harris, the chairperson of the hosting Swakopmund Youth Organisation, said that unlike Matthews’s experience, the Covid-19 pandemic did not complicate the planning process. “I think the planning went smoothly despite the pandemic,” he said.