Associate Professor of History at the University of Malawi, Gift Wasambo Kayira, says there is a need for a more inclusive retelling of the 1915 Reverend John Chilembwe uprising by recognising the efforts of those who stood beside him during the revolt.
Kayira’s remarks come as every year on 15 January, the country celebrates the life and legacy of Chilembwe, who led an uprising against British colonial rule.
Speaking to MBC Digital, Kayira said that while Chilembwe is rightly celebrated, the stories of his supporters during the uprising remain untold.
Most of his followers faced severe consequences for their participation, including execution, confiscation of property, and psychological trauma for their families. Yet their stories remain untold and buried in oblivion,” he said.
He further said highlighting the collective effort of these individuals regardless of the scale of their contributions to the uprising underscores the importance of communal unity in combating injustices.
He added that the bravery of the people who participated in the uprising and their willingness to support a cause they deemed just, serves as an enduring lesson for the present day.
By Alufisha Fischer