Turn of event as Sitti lets go of 2014 beauty crown

Dar es Salaam. Talk of the power of social media? Put this question before Ben Ali of Tunisia, and now former Miss Tanzania 2014 Sitti Mtemvu. They know it by experience.

Embattled Sitti Mtemvu has finally relinquished the crown she won at the Mlimani City Hall a few weeks back over controversy surrounding her age.

Ms Sitti was crowned on October 11 after beating 29 other contestants.

Protests against her victory started almost immediately after she was crowned Miss Tanzania 2014. Documents widely circulated via social media suggested that she had lied about her age, thus putting her victory to question.

The dates on her birth certificate and passport collided, according to social media. While the former showed she was born in 1989, putting her age at 25, the latter showed she was born on May 31, 1991.

If the date on her birth certificate is genuine, it means she did not qualify because the upper limit age for the contest is 24.

She, however, had applied using her passport particulars, thus stating she was 23 years old.

However, Sitti and Miss Tanzania organisers, Lino International Agency, refuted the reports insisting that the Temeke queen was 23.

At the same time, Lino requested Information, Youth, Culture and Sports ministry to investigate the matter. Deputy minister Juma Nkamia tasked the National Arts Council (Basata) to investigate the matter.

Even before Basata completed its assignment, Sitti wrote a letter on November 5 deciding to relinquish the crown citing too much ‘personal attacks’ directed at her through social media. She said in the letter that the attacks were becoming a threat to her life and family.

In the letter she says many lies have been said about her and her crown, claiming that these were fabrications that threatened her life.

“I have decided to relinquish the crown. I thank all who were behind me, my family, Miss Chang’ombe and Miss Temeke Organisers, journalists and members of Lino International Agency,” reads part of the letter. The Citizen on Sunday obtained its copy.

Speaking yesterday, Lino International Agency managing director Hashim “Uncle” Lundenga said they accepted Sitti’s decision in a meeting held on Thursday. The same meeting decided that the first runner up, Lilian Kamazima from Arusha, should take over the crown.

However, Lundenga did not specify whether Sitti would return the prize money amounting to Sh18 million.

“Prize matters would be handled by our office. Sitti was not stripped-off her crown, she decided to relinquish it willingly,” said Mr Lundenga.

According to him, they have informed Basata about the decision and the state organ has accepted it.

Sitti was not available yesterday for comment as her phone was unreachable.

The new Miss Tanzania 2014 crown holder Lilian Kamazima accepted the crown saying she will work hard to ensure the country performs well in international competitions.

“I’m ready to wear the shoes left by Sitti and I promise the best. All I ask is your support and cooperation,” said Lilian.