By Burnett Munthali
The office of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has distanced both the preacher and Goshen City from the controversy surrounding Malawi’s representation at international beauty pageants, insisting that responsibility for contestant selection rests solely with the Miss Malawi Secretariat and its Board.
Director of Communications for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and Goshen City, Aubrey Kusakala, said an internal investigation had established that reigning Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi was initially offered the opportunity to represent Malawi at the Miss Universe pageant on June 30, 2026.
Kusakala said Chisi declined the opportunity for personal reasons, prompting the Secretariat to consider alternative arrangements to ensure Malawi maintained its participation on the international stage.
He explained that when another international pageant opportunity later became available, the Miss Malawi Secretariat selected first runner-up Ireen Navicha after taking into account the eligibility requirements of the Miss World competition.
According to Kusakala, the Miss World pageant requires contestants to be between the ages of 17 and 26 at the time of entry, making age an important factor in the selection process.
He said the decision to nominate Navicha was intended to preserve Malawi’s presence at international beauty competitions rather than to undermine or sideline the reigning Miss Malawi.
Kusakala added that the decision was consistent with a new policy adopted by the Miss Malawi Board to extend international opportunities to runners-up and other finalists whenever the reigning queen is unable to participate.
He acknowledged that there have been communication and contractual challenges between Thandie Chisi and the Miss Malawi Secretariat.
However, Kusakala said such matters should have been addressed professionally and privately rather than becoming the subject of public controversy.
He further emphasized that Goshen City serves only as the principal sponsor of the Miss Malawi pageant and does not administer its day-to-day operations or make decisions regarding contestant selection and international representation.
Kusakala said those responsibilities lie entirely with the Miss Malawi Secretariat and the Board, making it unfair to hold Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Prophetess Mary Bushiri or Goshen City responsible for administrative decisions beyond their control.
He said public criticism directed at the sponsors over issues outside their mandate was misplaced and risked creating a false impression about their role in the management of the pageant.
Meanwhile, Kusakala disclosed that the Goshen City Board is reviewing its continued sponsorship of the Miss Malawi competition in light of the current environment.
He warned that sustained public attacks against sponsors over matters beyond their control could discourage private sector investment in national initiatives and undermine future partnerships.
Kusakala urged all stakeholders to place Malawi’s national interests above personal disagreements and work together to protect the country’s reputation on the international stage.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the management of the Miss Malawi pageant and the process used to determine the country’s representatives at major international beauty competitions.
