3rd September 2024
The Lost History Foundation (LHF) is currently compiling a comprehensive book on the Mwanza War of October 1967 in Malawi, a pivotal event in the nation’s history. As you may know, Yatuta Chisiza led a group of 17 Malawians in an attempt to topple the one party state of Dr Kamuzu Banda in 1967.
Out of this group, nine individuals were apprehended, tried, and subsequently hanged for treason. Two others were shot dead. Five members of the group retreated to Zambia, and one individual evaded capture, with varying theories surrounding his fate.
Our research team at LHF has been diligently working to document and preserve the legacy of these individuals. We have successfully constructed detailed profiles of six members of the group. However, to ensure that this significant chapter of Malawian history is thoroughly recorded, we are still seeking information on the following eleven individuals:
1. Felix Mwakawanga (from Inota village, Chief Kyungu, Karonga)
2. Simoni Chidawati (from Kajao village, Chief Kadewere, Chiradzulo)
3. Harris Phombeya (from Chilaweni village, Chief Lundu, Blantyre)
4. Mwaona Jackson Mistimoyo (from Masache village, Ngabu, Chikwawa)
5. Tobias Bonongwe (from Maziaya village, Chief Machinjiri, Blantyre)
6. Michael Mwambande (from Elia village, Chief Kilipula, Karonga)
7. Jackson Mphwanthi (from Mwamlopa village, Chief Kilipula, Karonga)
8. Raphael Kamanga (from Chigojo village, Chief Machinjiri, Blantyre)
9. Suwedi Masamba (from Mponda village, Chief Mponda, Mangochi)
10. Manson Chiuma (from Kandezu village, Chief Nkumbira, Nkhatabay)
11. Felix Mwaliyambwile (from Mwakisangila village, Chief Kilapula, Karonga)
We appeal to anyone who possesses knowledge, stories, photographs, or any other information about the lives of the above mentioned individuals to come forward. Your contribution will be valuable in ensuring that their stories are accurately and respectfully portrayed in our book.
Please contact Dr Paliani Chinguwo (PhD) the Director of Research at the Lost History Foundation (LHF) with any information you may have:
Email: p.chinguwo@historyofmalawi.com
WhatsApp: +27 64 731 9254
Direct calls: +265 998 817100 or +265 888 388 044
Deadline for Submissions is 03 November 2024.
Conleith Selenje,
Executive Director, Lost History Foundation.