Bhima Opposes Replacing Miss Malawi with First Runner-Up ‘Ireen Navicha’
Published on July 22, 2026 at 4:31 PM by Evance Kapito
Former long-serving organiser of the Miss Malawi beauty pageant, Carver Bhima, says the reigning Miss Malawi should be the one to represent the country at the Miss World competition.
Bhima said organisers should only consider sending the first runner-up or another contestant if the reigning queen is unable to participate due to illness or other circumstances that prevent her from fulfilling her duties.
He made the remarks following the decision by Miss Malawi organisers to select first runner-up Ireen Navicha to represent Malawi at Miss World instead of the reigning queen, Thandie Chisi.
Reports indicate that the decision was made because Chisi, who is 27, is above the age limit required by the Miss World organisers, while Navicha is 21.
According to a letter from the Miss World organisers presented by the Miss Malawi organisers, the international pageant is seeking contestants aged between 17 and 25.
Bhima’s comments have sparked debate over whether the reigning Miss Malawi should automatically represent the country at Miss World or whether eligibility requirements should take priority when selecting a representative.
