Thousands of people gathered this weekend for the 2026 Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni festival at the Gomani Chikuse Memorial Grounds in Ntcheu District, according to Nyasa Times. Vice President Jane Mayemu Ansah attended the September 6 cultural event, where she joined Ngwenyama Gomani V and Inkosi M'mbelwa V. The annual celebration was held under the theme "Ubunye Bunamandla," meaning "Unity is Strength," focusing on harmony among the Ngoni people and the broader Malawian society.
Update: The controversy surrounding Malawi's representation at the Miss World 2026 pageant has deepened after reigning Miss Malawi Thandi Chisi was replaced. Citizen Digital reports that Chisi was sidelined in favour of first runner-up Ireen Navicha, the daughter of Cabinet Minister Mary Navicha. Pageant organisers initially claimed Chisi exceeded the age limit, but observers noted she remains within the official requirements, leading to public anger over fairness and transparency. Despite the domestic backlash, Nyasa Times reports that Navicha competed in Vietnam and became the first Malawian to reach the Top 40 before exiting the contest.