Widespread controversy has erupted across Malawi following the decision by pageant organisers to send first runner-up Ireen Navicha—the daughter of Cabinet Minister Mary Navicha—to represent the nation at Miss World in Vietnam, bypassing reigning Miss Malawi Thandi Chisi.
The decision has sparked public backlash, with critics questioning the transparency and fairness of the selection process as Malawi makes its return to the global Miss World stage after a 14-year absence.
Conflicting explanations over age and eligibility
The Miss Malawi Organisation initially claimed that Chisi, who was crowned in Lilongwe in December, was replaced due to age restrictions, asserting that she exceeded the competition’s age limit.
However, that explanation faced immediate scrutiny after reports noted that Chisi was 27 at the time of the pageant—falling within Miss World’s standard eligibility range of 17 to 27.
Additionally, several other international delegates competing in the same edition were also 27 years old.
Following the backlash, the Miss Malawi Organisation apologised for the confusion. Chief Executive Benedette Mweso publicly took full responsibility for the age eligibility mix-up.
Organisers later offered alternative reasons, alleging that Chisi had expressed interest in other international pageants, making Navicha the available candidate. However, Chisi disputed this version of events, maintaining that she remained open to representing her country at Miss World.
Sponsor cites new policy and international experience
Adding to the conflicting accounts, the pageant’s principal sponsor, Goshen City, offered a different justification.
Board Chairperson Prophetess Mary Bushiri stated that the decision aligned with a new approach aimed at expanding international exposure beyond just the top winner to include runners-up and other finalists.
Organisers also defended Navicha’s selection based on her prior international pageant experience and her “Beauty with a Purpose” advocacy project focusing on period poverty and supporting teenage mothers.
They firmly denied any political influence or favouritism regarding her mother’s cabinet position.
Responses from the contestants
Despite being passed over for the global tournament, Chisi responded with composure on social media, stating:
“A crown does not make a queen; character does. And no circumstance can take that away.”
Meanwhile, Navicha went on to compete at the Miss World finals in Vietnam, making history as the first Malawian contestant to advance to the Top 40 stage—marking the country’s highest-ever placement in the global competition.
Despite the historic performance, public debate surrounding the fairness of bypassing the reigning national queen continues.
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