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Candice takes centre stage

Evany van Wyk



Candice van Rensburg (21) was crowned Miss Face of Rehoboth 2018, which changed to Miss Face of Namibia at the launch on 2 March.

With this change, more responsibilities were bestowed on Candice, but she does not shy away from a challenge, especially when she is doing something she loves.

The purpose of the title change was to reach out to people all over the country and not only in Rehoboth.

“We no longer wanted to limit ourselves,” says Candice.

Candice grew up in Rehoboth. She describes herself as a highly motivated, enthusiastic and an organised individual.

She believes in self-love. “I see myself as someone who is very capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.” She is the type of person that nothing is ever too much to ask from.

Beauty pageants have evolved over the years. What started out as a competition to showcase beauty is now a competition to feature their abilities to be role models in society. Candice believes her parents have played the most important role in her young successful life.

“I don’t have one role model, but two,” Candice says.

Her father is the strongest and most dedicated person she knows and her mom is her source of inspiration.

Hard work, patience, humility, simplicity, perseverance, tolerance and forgiveness are the values she learnt from her parents, and are also the foundation she wants to build her life on.

“I see Miss Face of Namibia as my baby - a baby I need to nurture and feed daily in order for it to grow into something strong and healthy.”

And her baby is growing day by day. She says she is very proud to be part of something that gives her a voice.

Candice’s official duties are very diverse; she has obligations not only towards her peers, but also to the community.

She sets an example for young women by always living accordingly.

Educating the community about the importance of gender equality, giving to the rural poor, not only materialistically but also through showing a genuine interest, and ensuring that they feel loved and cared for, are all part of Candice’s labour of love. She is currently busy with a Down syndrome charity organisation in Rehoboth.

As a wise person once said, charity is not about pity, it’s about love, and it’s clear that Candice has a big, loving heart.

Donating to the causes she cares about is deeply rewarding, and the fact that it helps people and gives them hope is heartening, she says.

“I love to see people happy and excited about life in general, therefore I will always strive to make the less-fortunate happy.”

Little girls with dreams become women with a vision. Candice certainly has no shortage of vision. She wants to be remembered as a Miss Face of Namibia who overcame her fears and helped other women overcome theirs. “I hope to inspire, as a young Namibian influencer,” Candice says.

She is planning on reaching out to women internationally through various campaigns and educate them on how to deal with traumatic experiences and low self-esteem.

If she could change one thing in the world, she would like to eradicate crime.

“Every person has a choice in every situation and I decided not to be a victim of crime and will not allow myself to be crippled by fear.”

Her advice to aspiring beauty queens is that it’s not only about the glittering tiara.

“They should insist on being a sister, friend and daughter, but most of all an influencer to the community, as a well as the nation. Use your platform to educate.”

Candice said the power to change someone’s perspective of themselves should be used wisely, because you might save a life.

“To my African beauty queens, I hope you make us proud and you are the embodiment of a strong African young woman.”

Candice’s favourite quote is: “Which are you drinking? The water or the wave?”

It’s an important metaphor for Candice.

“It’s asking whether my life experiences are life-sustaining or life-enhancing.”

Young people are the backbone of any nation, and if given the opportunity, they can enhance the lives of many others, Candice says.

Having the right mindset is of vital importance.

“With the right mindset you can turn your weaknesses into your strengths.”

When Candice takes off the crown you can be sure it’s not the last we’re going to see of her. The Mr and Miss Face of Namibia pageant 2019 is approaching, so all eager beavers better keep their eyes open for the details. “With confidence and determination, great things are bound to happen,” says Candice. It’s clear that she is much more than a beauty queen; she has got a good head on her shoulders.

With such wisdom at such a young age, one can’t help but get excited about what great things she has in store for Namibia’s future.