Miss Malawi needs money to return home from China

The Ministry of Wildlife and Culture met on Monday on how to financially help Miss Malawi Susan Mtegha return home. The outcome of the meeting would be made public this Tuesday.

A family at the Malawi Embassy in China is taking care of Mtegha, as Miss Malawi organisers are yet to find a booking repayment of K115 000.

Vitu Kamanga of Artistic Agency, managers of Miss Malawi, confirmed that Miss Malawi is stuck in China as they are trying to secure funds for her home-coming.

“We need K115 000 for booking repayment after she missed her flight due to unforeseen circumstances. We have been working hand in hand with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture for the Miss Malawi to come back.  We are told the ministry authorities also met on the matter,” said Kamanga.

He added that her family has also come in to ensure that Mtegha returns home.

In a separate interview, the ministry’s principal arts officer Anganile Nthakomwa confirmed receiving a formal letter from Miss Malawi organisers asking for assistance.

“We asked the organisers to write a formal communication detailing events surrounding Miss Malawi being stuck in Beijing, China and the assistance the office wants. The directors are meeting [Monday] to map the way forward on the matter,” said Nthakomwa.

She, however, said the organisers can also try other avenues of support for Mtegha to come back as soon as possible.

Mtegha was the fourth Malawian to represent the Warm Heart of Africa at such a big stage.

But other than missing accolades that go with the glitzy pageantry, the unexpected happened, Miss Malawi missed her flight home because she fainted at the airport.

The 24-year-old, fainted soon after she checked in at the Beijing International Airport as she was about to take a bath to cool down.