Tell your stories

Malawi is a country rich in history. From the time the country was under one-party system to multiparty dispensation since June 14 1993, a lot has happened.

As these developments were happening, many sons and daughters of the soil also did their part. They include politicians, chiefs and professionals in between. Many Malawians have done great to contribute to the success of the country.

However, not much is known about the great sons and daughters of the soil. Malawian public and revered figures have not really told their own stories through books otherwise known as autobiography.

In an interview this week, one of the country’s renowned writers Willie Zingani told Chill that there is a lot that public figures can tell Malawians and help them understand their country better while also inspiring them.

“As a writer, I have tried to encourage local inspiring figures to write their stories, but many of them are not willing to share their stories,” he said.

Zingani said Malawi can benefit a lot from autobiographies which tell first hand information and experiences of people who have given their services to the nation.

“I am particularly concerned with female inspiring figures in Malawi. They are not willing to tell their stories. As a result, we have this false sense that Malawi does not have brave and successful women,” he said.

Perhaps one can think of public figures such as former Malawi Government official hostess Cecilia Kadzamira, former Chief Justice Anastazia Msosa, former president Joyce Banda, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara and many others as women whose stories would made interesting autobiographies. There are also interesting figures such as former presidents Bakili Muluzi, Peter Mutharika as well as business mogul and philanthropist Thom Mpinganjira whose strides have not been told from their own accounts.

Zingani thinks the lack of proper books detailing life journeys are down to secrecy lifestyle among Malawians.

“I know of the first female doctor who has not yet told her story. Her journey to become who she is. Now she is retired, but Malawians do not know her inspiring story,” he said.

The renowned author said he recently wrote a book about President Lazarus Chakwera’s journey to presidency titled Chakwera, Journey to The Presidency, which he said needs follow ups.

“It took me years and I wrote as things happened in real time. We need more accounts of such stories. Imagine if we had a book on the former President Bakili Muluzi’s life after State House. That would be enriching,” he said.

Zingani said he fears one day these figures will take their stories to the grave.

“It is not a comfortable subject to talk about, but we must know these people will not live forever and the best thing to do is to document their life stories from their own account,” he said.

One of the important figures in Malawi that have died without writing their stories is the country’s founding president Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda who ruled Malawi for over 30 years.

In an interview, Malawi Writers Union president Chikumbutso Ndaferankhande said it is true that many public figures have not yet written their life stories.

“There are various reasons for this, among them being writers doubting the presence of a market. Secondly, it is a skill to write a biography. It is nit everyone who has access to a writing pad who can craft erudite biography,” he said.

Ndaferankhande said there is need for the country to show interest in reading its own stories which can encourage many to come forward with their own.

Zingani, a prolific writer and journalist himself, has authored over eight books and helps other figures edit their books.

His recent project is a book by African Court on Human and People’s Rights Judge Tujilane Chizumila titled From a Refugee To a Judge.