The Miss Malawi pageant has disqualified two contestants — Victoria Michongwe and Shukran Maundala — following internal reviews by the organizing team. The decision has triggered public debate after Victoria posted a detailed statement on social media challenging the fairness of her removal.
Victoria, who had made it into the Top 12, said in an Instagram post that she was unexpectedly disqualified on 14 November, alleging the decision contradicted the contract signed with the organizers. She claimed the Miss Malawi team informed contestants that the masterclass held from 3–7 November was not compulsory and that her absence — which she says she communicated in advance due to work — had been acknowledged and excused.
She further stated that a coach later advised her disqualification on grounds of missing the masterclass, despite earlier assurances that her absence was permissible. Victoria described the decision as “inconsistent, unlawful and deeply disappointing.”
However, speaking to The Slice Magazine, the Miss Malawi Organization says the disqualifications were carried out after internal review and legal consultation, citing violations of conduct and communication rules.
In its official response, the organization said:
1. Victoria missed a critical part of the training that prepares contestants for the responsibilities of Miss Malawi.
2. She allegedly failed to follow internal communication procedures required from all participants.
3. Miss Malawi emphasized that the pageant is built on discipline, professionalism, and character development, and decisions are made to protect the integrity of the crown.
“The decision was reviewed by our legal team and approved,” the organization said, stressing that rules must apply consistently to all contestants.
Miss Malawi also confirmed that another contestant, Shukran Maundala, has been disqualified under the same disciplinary and communication guidelines.
The pageant is scheduled to take place on 13 December at the Pearl Convention Centre in Lilongwe. Here are the final top 13:
