MALAWI: Miss Culture Malawi 2026 Unveils Top 10 as Chambalo Wins Miss Popularity Award

By Smile Hamilton

The Miss Culture Malawi 2026 competition has confirmed its Top 10 finalists following the close of online voting on January 31, with Mtendele Chimango Chambalo emerging as the winner of the Miss Popularity Award.

Chambalo secured a total of 72,500 votes, the highest among all contestants in the competition.

Reacting to the milestone, Chambalo said the recognition was a reflection of public support for her journey. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who voted for me and believed in my vision. This motivates me to represent Malawian culture with pride,” she said.

The Miss Popularity Award guarantees her an automatic place in the Top 5 at the grand finale, which is scheduled to take place later this month at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

An official from the Miss Culture Malawi organising committee said the voting process demonstrated strong public engagement in the pageant. “The response from the public was overwhelming, and the voting reflected genuine support for the contestants,” the official said.

Shakirah Machakwani finished in second place with 46,340 votes, while Natasha Kwaela followed closely in third position with 45,310 votes.

Former frontrunner Leonorah Cooke, who had led the provisional vote tallies earlier in the week, settled for fourth place with 44,100 votes, as Charity Pingeni completed the Top 5 with 38,620 votes.

The remaining finalists are Lutondwa Mwenefumbo with 37,840 votes, Maureen Zimba with 13,610, Thokozani Lupoka with 11,790, Mayamiko Chiwaula with 10,430, and Alinafe Msuku with 8,160 votes.

Contestants who did not make it into the Top 10 include Jessica Harawa, whose late surge proved insufficient to secure a place, and Faith Kaligwenje, who stepped down after

conceding defeat.