Model Chimwemwe Kankhande has been crowned the Face of Malawi Sun Hotel after emerging winner of a contest beating 12 contestants in Blantyre on Saturday.
The other contestants were Triphonia Maseko, Faith Malola, Hamida Mkwinda, Chifuniro Phiri, Joyce Chizumo, Tadala Moyo, Serene Ndovi, Promise Chitsanzo, Emmaculate Nyirenda, Matamando Wemba and Geraldine Mavuka.
Kankhande will serve as the hotel’s ambassador under a 12-month programme designed to empower young women to take up leadership roles and promote Malawi’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Among other responsibilities, she will represent the hotel brand at various forums and events.
Speaking after a panel of four judges announced the winner, an emotional Kankhande said she was surprised at her victory.
“I am not better than the rest. Everyone tried. I thank Malawi Sun for this and my fellow contestants,” she said.
The initiative, which the hotel describes as a mentorship platform rather than a beauty pageant, seeks to develop participants’ leadership, communication and hospitality skills.
In an interview after the grand finale, Malawi Sun Hotel front office manager Venia Awali-Balakali said they introduced the initiative after the hotel identified a gap in women’s participation roles in the hospitality sector.
On his part, Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman said he would like to see the initiative grow into a bigger platform through the introduction of Miss Blantyre City queen.
The event also featured musical performances by Kineo and Kelly Kay, who entertained guests with songs celebrating love and attraction.
