Miss Plus Size targets international stage
• By Rosalia David
MISS Plus Size Namibia which was initiated in 2018 targets to provide its winners with an opportunity to showcase their talent on an international ground.
The founder of the beauty pageant, Margaret Shivolo said it is high time curvy women start embracing their bodies worldwide.
“We look forward to providing enough funds for the winner to fulfil her duties including participating in international beauty pageants however the biggest challenge we are facing is getting sponsors and support, but we are positive that all that will change soon,” she said.
Miss Plus Size was initiated to celebrate women who are routinely overlooked in the world of pageantry, fashion and beauty.
Apart from aiming to expand the pageant to an international audience, Shivolo said in due time they will be looking forward to hosting a plus size fashion week in southern Africa, a TV series and magazines.
“The journey of this pageant has come a long way with so many challenges especially when it comes to organising it. Currently we are looking forward to expanding the brand as it is unique due to the fact that we accommodate women that are single between the age of 18 and 35 and married /women with children at age of 20+,” she said.
With this year’s pageant scheduled to take place on December 3, Shivolo added that this event will be filled with surprises.
The pageant has already selected its top ten finalists who will be gracing the stage the night of the show.
The top ten finalists’ list consists of Nahambelelwe Neumbo, Natalia Nangombe, Mpingana Kleopas, Martha Amanyanga, Rashidah HB Madisia, Ashley Kevanhu, Cassandra Snyder, Bianca Daniella Heyns, Roxette Matthys and Grace Kahatjipara.
The event will begin with a talent show on December 3 before a grand finale the next day and will be taking place at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre in Windhoek.
The contestants will compete for the crown currently held by Zenodine Bassingthwaighte, who won Miss Plus Size Namibia in 2019.
This year’s pageant will be directed by Towa Mungandi of Toto by Towa, whose brand is focused on the vibrant visibility of woman who are bigger than the traditional fashion industry standard.
Training for the Miss Plus Size Namibia pageant began in October with the contestants doing volunteer work of their choice.
Excited about the upcoming event, Shivolo said that she was ready to host the event after a year of planning adding that the finalists are equally excited and ready to hit the stage in full swing.
Shivolo added that fashion show lovers should brace themselves for a night full of glitz and glamour while promising surprise performances by various artists.
She added that the plan is to also host the event in other towns in the near future to avail an opportunity to everybody who wishes to participate.
She said not only does the competition instil confidence amongst plus size models but assists many with fulfilling their dreams of stepping on stage.
“I would say this competition is quite unique,” said Shivolo.