In the heart of Namibia, a unique story unfolds. Koviao Matuzee, a 21-year-old Herero woman from Okakarara, is making a name for herself in the pageantry world, blending her unique blend of determination, skill, and authenticity.
Despite a humble upbringing in the small village of Okaundja, where she was raised by her grandmother, Koviao’s spirit was never curbed. She would later move to Windhoek, where she completed her primary education at Elim Primary School and subsequently graduated from Academia Secondary School.
Amid financial difficulties, Koviao managed to continue her education. A short course in Secretarial & Office Administration at the International University of Management (IUM) paved the way for her current studies in Journalism and Media at Triumphant College. Her penchant for the written word also sparked a love for poetry, setting the stage for her budding career as a romance novelist.
However, her passions extended beyond the written word and onto the runway. Koviao, the eldest of two siblings, was always inspired by her father’s dream of seeing her crowned as Miss Namibia.
In 2015, she registered for her first pageant, Miss Heather High School, but fell ill and was unable to participate. Another opportunity was thwarted when the proposed Mr & Mrs HTS hostel pageant was cancelled. Koviao’s spirit was tested again when her father, who once supported her modeling ambitions, disagreed with her joining a modeling agency due to paternal concerns over the industry’s potential pitfalls.
Undeterred, she set her sights on Miss Namibia 2023, only to be held back by the contest’s strict height requirements. However, this setback didn’t deter her. Instead, it propelled her toward the inclusive platform of Miss Africa Golden Namibia – a pageant that celebrated more than just physical beauty. It was here, in this pageant, that she finally set foot on the runway for the first time.
“One of the unique aspects I’m bringing to this pageant is my inexperience,” Koviao shared. Fearful yet determined, she saw every stumble as an opportunity to get back up, demonstrating her tenacity. Her father, once reluctant, now supports her endeavors, as do her friends and family.
In between her studies and preparing for the pageant, Koviao spends her time exploring her love for reading, cooking, baking, and writing. Her hobbies are her refuge, a means of expressing her emotions, battling anxiety, and finding solace.
Her participation in Miss Africa Golden Namibia is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a platform for her to advocate for inclusivity in pageantry. She passionately believes that pageants should not be confined to height and weight restrictions but rather open to all who possess the determination to compete.
Her message to aspiring models? “Just go for it!” She’s a testament to the fact that experience is not a precursor to success but something that is learned along the way.
Koviao draws inspiration from Katuu Ujava, the 1st runner up of Miss Africa Golden 2022. Despite her love for pageantry, Koviao aspires to explore other avenues in the modeling industry, hoping one day to participate in fashion and commercial modeling. And who knows? If the Miss Namibia pageant were to become more inclusive, she might reconsider her stance on pageantry.
As she continues her journey, Koviao Matuzee’s tale is a powerful testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of dreams – making her a rising star to watch in the Namibian pageantry world.
All images contributed
