21 EXTREMELY RARE HISTORICAL PHOTOS OF MALAWI YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

By Sangwani Chigezero Chibaka 

History is often told in words, but sometimes a single picture can teach us more. Journey back in time with these 21 extremely rare historical photographs from the warm heart.

1. FIRST AIRPLANE CRASH IN MALAWI

The 1916 air crash at Malindi is the first airplane crash in Nyasaland (Malawi) ever recorded. I couldn’t find further information as to, who was involved or the type of aircraft involved. 

2. LEWIS AND GRACE BANDAWE’S WEDDING AT ST. MICHAELS CHURCH

Lewis Bandawe weds Grace at the Blantyre mission's St. Michaels church on 31st May, 1913. Lewis is the first Malawian to be honored with the M.B.E (Member of the Order of the British Empire) award, he received the award in 1956. The wedding was officiated by Rev. A. Hetherwick.

3. THE NOTORIOUS SAIDI MWAZUNGU

Saidi Mwazungu (L) was chief Makanjira’s lieutenant. He single handedly murdered two Europeans, Dr. Boyce and MacEwan in cold blood during captain Maguire’s ill-fated attack on Makanjira dhows. He evaded arrest and was on the run for five years until he was run down and executed in Nkhotakota.

4. LIVINGSTONIA GIRLS RELAY TEAM

Livingstonia girls relay team at an athletics competition in Mzuzu, June 1966. Victoria Gondwe and Mazoe Msiska are nearest to the camera.

 

5. GILL BROTHERS BUILDING

The iconic Gill brothers building in Lilongwe 1966.

6. DANCING COUPLE

The dancing couple captured in Rumphi, July 16th 1967 at the 1st republic anniversary celebrations. The dance was so intimate that the dancers usually avoided eye contact so as to keep it casual.

7. MR. MORTON H. MUGHOGHO

Mr. Morton H. Mughogho, headmaster of Rumphi secondary school pose for a photo with his family in 1967.

8. OFFICIAL COURT SUMMON

An official court summon to the Rumphi resident magistrate dated 1966.

9. PRESIDENTIAL CONVOY

President H.K Bandas’ convoy on the independence avenue in Blantyre in the mid-1960s.

 10. CAPITAL HILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Construction of government offices at capital hill, Lilongwe.

 11. JENALA CHATINKHA

Last known sister of Dr. H.K Banda Jenala Chatinkha welcoming his brother at the airport in 1979.

 

12. THE EXECUTION OF JOHN GRAY KUFA

 

Gray Wopani Kufa, an accomplice of Reverend John Chilembwe in the 1915 uprising being led to his execution by hanging.

13. MALAWISAURUS

Malawisaurus dixey on display at the Karonga museum in Malawi. The extinct dinosaur genus was discovered in 1924 in the “dinosaur beds’ of Malawi.

14. CONSTRUCTION OF THE RESERVE BANK HEADQUARTERS

 The iconic reserve bank headquarters under construction in Lilongwe, 1979.

15. MALAWI’S FIRST MILITARY PLANE

First military plane in Malawi at Fort Johnston (Mangochi).

16. NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN 

Neighborhood children in Rumphi, 1968.

 

17. CLASS IN SESSION

Peace Corps Volunteer Mariann Scott teaching science at Rumphi secondary school in 1967. Maxon Nyirenda (student) is in the center. The beaker contains a live specimen of  "chambo" fish.

 18. JUNJU APOSTOLIC CHURCH

A rare photo of the Junju apostolic church in Rumphi district, 1966.

19. LILONGWE RIVER

River laundry along the Lilongwe River in 1966.

20. KAMUZU STADIUM

An undated photo of the then incomplete kamuzu stadium.

 21. CHIEF MAKWIRA

Chief Makwira and his eight wives, photographed by J & M Lazarus in 1903. He ruled the Ruo district (Rumphi) 

(Photo credits; Laird Scott and The Society of Malawi: historical and scientific)