A gala dinner was held at Outapi as a homecoming and send-off of Miss World Namibia 2026, Elly Aron.

Aron will participate in the 73rd Miss World competition in Vietnam. 

The gala dinner drew people from all walks of life.

Among them was the National Assembly Speaker, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who highlighted the significance of the event for Aron to receive the community's blessings.

"As Ms Elly Aron's mother is a daughter of Omusati, this region is very much a part of who Ms Elly is. Before she carries our nation's name to the world, she has, therefore, come to you, the people of Omusati, before she departs to Vietnam so that she may receive the blessings and the embrace of the very community that helped shape the young woman she has become. There is an old wisdom among our people that a child is raised by the whole village."

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on Namibians to support Aron. Aron needs a financial injection of N$600,000 for her entire trip's expenses.

Aron said she carries the responsibility of serving Namibia with humility and determination.

"I am deeply grateful that, through the Miss NGO Organisation, I have been given the opportunity to rise through the ranks to become Namibia's national representative. It is a journey I do not take for granted, and one I am proud to carry forward on behalf of every woman who dares to dream."

The gala dinner raised more than N$147,000 in pledges.