Govt ‘recognizes’ new Miss Malawi, to fundraise for Karonga earthquake victims
Excite Media’s communications consultant, Kondwani Munthali has dismissed Access Media challenge on the legitimacy of newly crowned Miss Malawi, Ella Kabambe and has said government dully recognizes the new beauty queen.
Access Media has dragged the organizers of the show to court over trademark ownership but Munthari responding to Nyasa Times questioner said until the court determines; Miss Malawi 2009 is in office.
“The current Miss Malawi Ella Kabambe is duly recognized by Malawi Government and should Access proceed with their decision, who would they expect to work with if they sue the same Government. Let them come to their senses and join hands in changing the shape of Miss Malawi,” said Munthali.
“If as Malawians they cannot accept a Government endorsed Miss Malawi, they will undermine the credibility of the pageant and sponsors who have come forth to support the noble cause of Miss Malawi will disappear again.”
He appealed to Access Media that if they have a genuine interest in promoting Miss Malawi, they should find a solution at a negotiating table.
“Miss Malawi is about the face of the country and a life changing experience to the winner, let them use the opportunity to rise to greater heights.
“The disturbances from Access are costly to the reputation of the pageant both in terms of sponsorship and programme.”
Munthali disclosed that Miss Malawi Ella Kabambe is about to engage in fundraising programme for earthquake victims in Karonga.
He explained that for three years until 2008 there was no Miss Malawi.
“The firm that Mr. Craver Bhima who claims to have patented the Miss Malawi name without Government authority, Okoma productions run the show for only one year. They failed the second year. Excite Events Media volunteered to do the show in the third year after Miss Malawi Perth Msiska complained about the length of her office and asked the Ministry of Tourism for permission. Nobody protested and everything was ok. Mr. Bhima or anybody did not raise any queries on the matter.”
Commenting on the controversial issue of prizes, Munthali said most companies have a tradition of making pledges and members of the Excite Events then used the pledges to come up with prizes.
“Up to now the pledges have not been honoured by individuals and companies. The public should take into account that this was the company’s first Miss Malawi. This year all prizes were paid in cash,” he pointed out.
He said five professionals were invited by Excite to organise the show this year. Government was notified and they gave a go ahead for the process.
Munthali said the show was supposed to be held on October 31 to meet the November 11 deadline for the Miss World held in South Africa on December 12, 2009.
On 13th September, Access Media claimed rights to the show and Excite Events suspended the October 31 show to give way to negotiations through the Government.
“Access told Malawians that they will host the show in November at the College of Medicine complex. The public can check if that booking was ever made.
“Between September 14 to October 21, nothing was heard of Access show and the Department of Culture asked for an update. Excite Events re-started the process and because of the claim by Access, most sponsors that committed their money withdrew it. We also missed registration for the Miss World pageant,” explained Munthali.
He said on October 29, Excite Events announced the auditions for all the three regions to scout for ladies and Access was back the following day to announce that Miss Malawi will be held on November 28.
“Up to date they have not informed the Malawi nation why they did not hold the show as per promise,” said Munthali.
On claims by former Miss Malawi Joyce Mphande and her runner up Karen Msiska that they were not given their prizes, Munthali said the committee invited the two pageants for discussion.
“When Joyce Mphande was out to the USA, they asked if it would be possible to pay the prizes in installments without affecting the budget. Karen opted for the legal option. Members of the committee are not Directors of Excite and could not therefore comment further on the matter.”
He said Joyce and Karen appeared at the show and were welcomed and give seats at the VIP table.
“They never raised their issue with the Honourable Minister (of Tourism Anna Kachikho), but they opted to play public and shout on the podium. That misconduct shocked the Minister and the behaviour is very regrettable. It is up to Excite Events Directors to decide after such an embarrassment,” said Munthali.
The new Miss Malawi, Ella Kabambe, 22 
is a student of Chancellor College.
Tagged with: Access Media. Karonga, Anna Kachikho, Carver Bhima, eathquake, Ella Kabambe, Excite Media, kondwani Munthali, Miss Malawi, Perth Msiska
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