On a Saturday night when Blantyre was chockfull of happenings—including a Beerland Festivals April Fest at Scallas Café and Ladies Hangout at Blues—Lilongwe-based fashion designer Wongani Mkandawire was crowned Miss Heritage Malawi at Amaryllis Hotel.
After a walk in two categories of traditional and dinner dresses as well as countering questions, Mkandawire of Wongie Wove Designs outclassed nine other contenders to claim the crown, taking over from Mwaiwathu Khupe.
Mentored by celebrated fashion designer Lilly Alfonso under the 100 Year Plan, Mkandawire, who was also voted Miss Personality, won the hearts of judges. The judges included event organiser Ausa Kamanga and Miss Agriculture Zambia.
“I did not see this coming, frankly speaking, but let all the glory be to God,” the Miss Heritage Malawi queen, who walked away with K1 million and an iPhone courtesy of Pixie Electronics, said.
Mestay Chipeta claimed the Miss Confidence crown. She was also crowned second princess. Chawa Kabelekano claimed the first princess slot and, together with Chipeta, walked away with K500,000 each. The Miss Heritage Malawi has now changed its name to Vision Pageantry to align itself with other areas of modelling
Miss Heritage Malawi Chief Executive Officer and National Director Maddie Yusuf Soko said she was impressed with the event. She was quick to say there were gaps they looked forward to filling come next year. “We did not do right in some areas and people have given us feedback. Again, we have rebranded to Vision Pageantry because we want to grow and show that pageantry is huge and deserves support,” Maddie said. Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule hailed the contestants for being brave.
“It is not easy to do this but the girls showed confidence and, for me, they are all winners. The organisers have done well to bring a pageant that is helping in promoting culture,” Kamtukule said. Meanwhile, Mandevu Farm will be hosting the top five contestants. The farm will treat them to local foods, among other things, as part of efforts to complement the Miss Heritage Malawi objective of promoting culture. The event was spiced up by performances from Nathaniel Chaluchalu, Tuno and Zeze Kingston, among others.
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