Miss Namibia 2026, Charene Labuschagne has called on Namibians to work alongside her as she strives to become a better ambassador during her tenure.

She made the call at the Miss Teen Namibia and Miss Namibia 2026 homecoming event in Windhoek on Thursday.

The reigning Miss Namibia says she is privileged to have won the title and hopes to bring about positive change in the country.

However, she noted that meaningful impact can only be achieved with the support and guidance of Namibians, who can help her identify the areas where her efforts and advocacy are most needed. 

"I have always considered myself to be an ambassador, and now this ambassador comes with much more responsibility, and I sincerely hope that my Namibia keeps me accountable. So I am open to receiving all your love and joy and also uplifting my spirit, and if there is any way, shape or form that you think that you can uplift me and help me be a better ambassador and be a better leader for Namibia, then I am all ears." 

She was welcomed together with Miss Namibia 1st runner-up Rechelle Hamases and Miss Teen Namibia, Jessica Kurth. 

"The journey was extremely challenging but also rewarding at the same time, and it has prepared me to serve the people of my nation, and I look forward to continuing the work I started doing as a finalist.'

"This journey has been so much fun. My sisters, all of the Miss Teen finalists and all of the Miss Namibia finalists and I have written my exams today, which actually went really well, so I am really proud of myself."

Family, friends and NBC staff members were among those who welcomed the beauty pageant queens at the public broadcaster's headquarters on Cullinan Street.

National Director of the Miss Namibia Organisation, Beaulah Boois-Beukes, expressed, "We are proud of all our finalists that made it this far. I will hand over your flowers, and this is for you."

Labuschagne's homecoming also coincides with her birthday, which falls on the 6th of August.