Miss Malawi regional showdown today
Miss Malawi Beauty Pageant goes into the second round with regional finals at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu this evening. Aspirants are salivating to showcase their talents and brilliance.
It is a red carpet event that brings together six contestants who will strut the catwalk in an attempt to convince the judges for a slot in the national finals to take place in Lilongwe on April 29 next year.
Tickets for the showdown are already available at Grand Palace Hotel, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Nation Publications Limited (NPL) offices at Mpico House in Mzuzu.
The contestants have said in separate interviews that they are geared up for the event as they aspire to become an ambassador for the country to fight overpopulation.
Mzuzu University (Mzuni) Bachelor of Education student Miwasy Nyirenda said she is prepared to do her best in the competition.
“I don’t prepare to be the best, but I prepare to do my best because if I would say I want to be the best it’s hard to achieve. But doing my best means I have to be determined, passionate and put all my energy in what I do to achieve.
“So, I am prepared mentally, physically and emotionally such that I have the confidence to face the audience and judges,” said Nyirenda who has been the second princess in the 2013 Miss Mzuni Beauty Pageant.
She was also the first Princess in the 2014 Miss O Seasons Beauty Pageant whereas in 2015, she was one of the models in the Mzuzu Fashion Week.
Said the fourth-year student: “I have researched on the topic about population growth in Malawi, its causes, effects and how it can be controlled.
“lt wasn’t much of a challenge preparing because it has always been my wish to serve others in my country of which I am ready to do with or without Miss Malawi crown.”
A 22-year-old student in textile and designing at Phwezi Technical College Sally Nyirenda said she is ready to contest because she has been waiting for this opportunity since her secondary schools days.
Nyirenda said she wants to use the crown to help in her endeavours aimed at ensuring that youths understand the importance of education in an effort to end early marriages.
‘Overpopulation is the root cause of so many challenges in the country. Some of which include rise in crime and spread of HIV and Aids, especially among the youth who have are idle,” she said.
University of Livingstonia graduate Yewo Gondwe said she decided to join the pageant after noticing that the competition gives one an opportunity to improve on public speaking skills as it raises one’s confidence.
“When I heard about Miss Malawi I decided to join in order to be a role model to the youth because I believe that I am an achiever with a bachelors at the age of 19 which is really inspiring and I will not stop there. I want to achieve the highest qualification if possible,” she said.
Journalism student at Lilongwe Technical College Tadala Uta said she is now working on her confidence as some people have been trying to bring her confidence down with discouraging words.
“People say I can’t make it, but I want to prove such pessimists wrong,” she said.
Entrepreneur Vanessa Mtegha said she has always been ready for such competitions because beauty pageantry is a passion for her.
The contestants will be expected to parade in traditional, office, evening, casual and swim wear.
NPL marketing manager Albert Banda has said the organisers have slashed the entry fee from K6 000 for VIP tickets to K4 500 and from K3 500 for standard tickets to K2 000.
Meanwhile, Karonga-based Lusubilo Band is listed to spice up the Miss Malawi regional finals.
The contest is jointly organised by NPL and ZBS.
