Paulina Malulu

“We want the girls to be as natural as possible”

“The pageant is very African-centred. The reality out there is that as Africans, we define our beauty according to what the rest of the world tells us is beautiful and with this pageant, we want to rectify that”

“The beauty pageant industry is an industry like any other, with the capacity to contribute to the nation building of any country. Namibia should be no different”

“I feel the need to give back as I had so many sponsors and prizes after becoming Miss Namibia and would like someone else to get pampered like I often do. I want them to have the same opportunities I had and most importantly, I want to share the importance of grooming as a confidence boost”

“It is small. We are not writing enough and those who do write are not getting the necessary support. I would like to see more books written in indigenous languages. We have local linguists lecturing and researching at local universities and schools but majority are not writing books. In my head, that does not make sense. However, we are also not reading enough. The culture of reading still remains an issue. We have learners in high school who cannot read or follow basic grammar rules of writing. If they cannot read now, who will write later”

“It takes days to years to put something together. It requires constantly and proactively having to enquire from those more knowledgeable, reading, studying and doing extensive field and desktop research”

“Language carries culture and culture carries values. An Oshikwanyama speaking child can only express themselves like a Kwanyama if they can speak the language. When they get hurt, they say…memeeii. An English speaking child will say, ouch”

“I have always loved nature and the outdoors. There is something grounding about life beyond tall towers and buildings. In the rural area, I can actually smell the flowers and feel my inner powers. Although I was raised in the city, the congestion of traffic lights and take out is not my thing”

“It took resilience and the will to pursue my intended purpose to enter and win and still recognise myself in the mirror after my reign”

“Hospitality in our family is a trait many possess. Both maternally and parentally. We love to host, support and nurture. Philanthropy is just an extension of that. Serving beyond the family unit”

“Where there is more than one person, there is difference. Just like how we differ as individuals, so does culture and how we express it”

“Education is not limited to books and instructional teaching and learning. My family was and remains the teacher of values, culture, diversity, emotional intelligence, financial literacy and hygiene. So how I understand, value, care for and celebrate my culture is a reflection of the educational role my family plays when it comes to teaching me about my cultural roots”