Miss Malawi Organization hits back over Thandi controversy

As the Miss Malawi controversy surrounding reigning queen Thandi Chisi continues to deepen, the organisation has pushed back against claims that have placed the pageant and its leadership under scrutiny.

The Miss Malawi Organisation has rejected claims made by Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi over unpaid prizes, blocked international opportunities, contractual changes and an outstanding payment linked to BBS Cosmetics.

In a statement issued Friday, the organisation said it had taken note of various issues and narratives circulating publicly concerning Chisi, former representatives, service providers, prize payments, international opportunities, contractual arrangements and the Miss Malawi crown.

The organisation said Goshen City paid the full prize money to the Miss Malawi Organisation, which subsequently paid all three winners their respective monetary prizes.

According to the organisation, Chisi received K30 million, first runner-up Ireen Navicha received K7 million, while second runner-up Tina Mkombezi received K5 million.

It said the three recipients had acknowledged receipt of their prizes on social media and that it also had documentary evidence, including bank deposit records.

On Chisi’s international participation, the organisation denied deliberately preventing her from accessing opportunities, saying opportunities were made available and extensive efforts were made to engage her and address concerns surrounding her participation.

The organisation also dismissed claims that Chisi’s contract had been unfairly altered.

It said the initial contract presented to Chisi in January was not signed by her, while the subsequent agreement that she signed was an amended document intended to clarify the rights, obligations and responsibilities of both parties.

On the Beauty & Beautiful (BBS) Cosmetics payment, the organisation acknowledged that there had initially been a delay in paying Chisi the full amount due to her.

It said Chisi initially received approximately 20 percent of the amount due, but had since received the outstanding balance in full.

The organisation said it had deposit slips confirming the payments.

Regarding the Miss Malawi title, the organisation said Chisi remains recognized as Miss Malawi in accordance with its position on the title.

However, it raised concerns over alleged instances in which Chisi visited organisational partners without prior notification or coordination.

It said all representations of Miss Malawi before partners and stakeholders must be properly coordinated and authorised to protect the organisation’s brand, title and official insignia.

The organisation also addressed the controversy surrounding the Nyazgambo crown, saying two crowns had been produced using the same make and model and sourced from the same supplier, Akali Jewellery.

It said the existence of two identical crowns should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that one crown had been unlawfully taken from another person.

The organisation further said Chisi had been given an opportunity to clarify her position on the matter but did not provide the response it had sought.

Explaining its previous silence, the organisation said it had deliberately avoided engaging extensively in the public debate in an effort to protect the dignity of those involved.

“Miss Malawi is bigger than any individual office holder, title holder, director or staff member,” the organisation said.

It added that its role was not merely to crown a woman but to build young women, create opportunities and protect the institution for future generations.

The organisation also expressed concern over online criticism and bullying directed at Ireen Navicha, warning that disagreements involving individuals or institutions should not result in harassment of another titleholder.

“The Miss Malawi Organization does not condone bullying, harassment, threats or abuse directed at any of its titleholders, ambassadors or representatives,” it said.

The organisation said it would continue focusing on its mandate of empowering women, creating opportunities and enabling Malawian women to represent the country on national and international platforms.

“Miss Malawi is not about one woman. It is about every Malawian woman who dares to dream,” the organisation said.