Ten contestants have made it to the final stage of the Miss Culture Malawi 2026 edition following the conclusion of the online voting phase that closed on January 31. The development has seen Jessica Harawa and Faith Kaligwenje eliminated from the pageant after failing to secure enough public votes to progress to the next stage. Trailing Chambalo was Shakira Machakwani with 46 340 votes, Natasha Kwaela with 45 310, Leonorah Cooke with 44 100 and Charity Pingeni, who garnered 38 620 votes.
Other contestants in the public vote included Lutondwa Mwenifumbo with 37 840 votes, Maureen Zimba with 13 610, Thokozani Lupoka with 11 790 , Mayamiko Chiwaula 10 430 votes and Alinafe Msuku who got 8 160 votes. According to organisers, the online voting process enabled people to shape the outcome of the competition through selecting contestants to determine the Top 10. “The online voting period was exciting and showcased the incredible support for all contestants,” she said.
Mbewe said preparations for the grand finale scheduled on February 28 are progressing smoothly and finalists are gearing up for the boot camp, where they will undergo intensive training, rehearsals and grooming sessions. “Organisers are placing a strong emphasis on personal grooming, etiquette and presentation skills. The finalists will receive lessons on proper body grooming, posture and how to present themselves confidently,” she said.
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In an official update, Miss Culture Malawi thanked the eliminated contestants Harawa and Kaligwenje for the courage and dedication they displayed throughout their journey. “Your participation added value, beauty and strength to this platform and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Miss Culture Malawi is about growth, purpose and cultural pride.
This may be the end of this chapter, but it is certainly not the end of your journey,” reads part of the update. The Miss Culture Malawi grand finale is scheduled to take place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Those who have made it to the final round are 20-year-old student and fashion designer Kwaela, 25-year-old research assistant Lutondwa Mwenifumbo, 23-year-old social scientist Thokozani Lupoka and 20-year-oid model and student Leonorah Cooke.
Others are Mtendere-Chimango Kamangadazi Chambalo, 21, a student and entrepreneur. Charity Pingeni, 22 , student and model. Shakirah Machakwani, 20, student and cosmetologist.
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