Malawi flops at Miss Heritage

Af ter two years, Malawi once again returned on the international beauty pageant stage last weekend as the country participated at the 2015 edition of Miss Heritage World.

However, the story is the same, with no win or recognition of any sort, just try again next time.

At the end of the actual event, South Africa once again expanded its foot print and legacy on the world international pageant as it’s representative Ziphozinhle Ntlanganiso was crowned Miss World Heritage.

It is worth noting that the current Miss World is South Africa’s Rolene Strauss.

Malawi’s envoy to the Miss Heritage Alinafe Chalunda only returned with fond memories of the event.

“I had a great time walking on stage, it was amazing hearing the crowd shout Malawi and it made me smile even more. I didn’t get to know most of the girls and meet the organisers, but it was a wonderful experience.

“The day I spent in camp, I met a few wonderful girls, learning about their countries, meeting the

French speaking countries like my roommate, Miss Cameroun,” she said.

Chalunda believes it was simply not Malawi’s turn to get the limelight.

“I have no excuse for not winning, it was Zipho’s time not mine. Malawi went into camp late. We were far behind on votes and missed tasks, my video came in late and they refused to judge it,” said Chalunda.

Asked on why she went into camp late, Chalunda explained: “The rest of the contestants entered camp for two weeks and points are earned once you go into camp. I was going to fight for a spot in boot-camp, but unfortunately, the Miss Heritage organisation bought my air ticket late.

“ My video was submitted late because it was done last minute. Now, the whole show is prejudged , t h e introduction video earns marks on the scoreboard as well and in the absence of it, it was tough for us to win.”

A linafe ha s been modelling for the past three years. Being crowned Miss Colleges in 2012 was enough motivation to launch her modelling career which has seen her doing exceptionally well and rising to be arguably among Malawi’s top models.

She also modelled for the inaugural Malawi Fashion Week in 2013 apart from working with some of the cream of Malawi fashion designers as well as the corporate world.

The 21-year-old is a business management student at the Malawi College of Accountancy. n