Miss Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2026 crowned

Loreece Kaffer (19) is the newly crowned Miss Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2026 queen. 

Kaffer, who hails from Rosh Pinah, wowed the crowd and swept the judges' panel, consisting of Donna Hifitikeko, Jerusha Sheyer and Dean Johannes, away with her elegance and confidence during the glitzy pageant hosted in the German Hall on Saturday. The judges looked at the general appearance, attention to detail and the personality of the contestants to determine the winner. 

“I knew when I entered this competition what I entered it for. I did not come to play and used my confidence to my advantage. I am so glad that I could make not only myself and my family, but also my town, Rosh Pinah, and people who look up to me proud," Kaffer said after receiving the crown from the Miss Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2025 title holder, Faizah Shani Bwalya. 

Kaffer pocketed prizes worth N$24 000. Cynthia Richards (17) is her first princess and Rachel Josef (19) the second princess. Anell /Garu-||nas (16) won the Miss Photogenic title, and Aloisa Jackson (24) won the Miss Personality title.

The reigning queen said that she intended to focus on inspiring the youth and driving empowerment initiatives for them. “I know there are a lot of people that look up to me, especially young girls. This platform provides a broad audience, and I will utilise it to empower, help build self-confidence and inspire the youth.” 

Kaffer, who dreams of becoming Miss Universe one day and making Namibia proud, offered the following advice to aspirant beauty queens, “Success is what you make of it. I'm my own role model. I started doing pageantry all by myself at the age of 12 and am self-taught. Be yourself. Tell yourself that you can make it and you will eventually do so. Have confidence, because without confidence, you cannot achieve anything,” she said. 

A stunning lineup of 11 confident and vibrant young women took to the stage in traditional wear, swim wear and evening gowns. The contestants were backed by performers, which included Jeezir, Haqeem and talented local dance acts, Silent Killers, Cheesecake and Decent Friends, with Khadijah Mouton as the master of ceremony. 

The convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, was one of many to congratulate the new Miss Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2026. “Your victory is well-deserved. May your reign amplify the beauty, culture, and economic potential of Lüderitz and Namibia’s marine heritage. A.B.E.R. looks forward to partnering with the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company to advance Namibia’s blue economy agenda, from fisheries to tourism to maritime innovation. The future of Africa’s blue economy is youth, culture, and partnership,” he said.