New Book Offers Insights into Malawi's Political History
Lecturer Dr. Jamu Nyirenda emphasized the book's value in understanding contemporary Malawian politics through its historical analysis.
MZUZU, Malawi— A recently-launched book is aiming to enhance understanding of Malawi's role in regional politics and liberation struggles, according to faculty at Mzuzu University, writes Alinafe Sambo.
The book, titled "Pan-Africanism versus Partnership," includes a chapter on "Nyasaland in Southern Rhodesia Politics" that explores Malawi's historical contributions, said Dr. Mwayi Lusaka from the History and Heritage Studies Department.
"The seminar has helped us to understand the role that Malawi played in the liberation struggles in the Southern African region, and how Malawi (then Nyasaland) contributed in helping other countries like Zimbabwe to attain independence by exploring Malawi politics in politics of the southern federation," Lusaka said at a seminar launching the book.
Author Dr. Brooks Marmon, the event's guest speaker, said the book aims to show how colonization unfolded and how Southern African nations attained independence, with a focus on international cooperation.
"The book is very important to the historian because people will be able to understand how countries helped each other to attain independence," Marmon said.
He donated copies to the university library.
Lecturer Dr. Jamu Nyirenda emphasized the book's value in understanding contemporary Malawian politics through its historical analysis.
"History being a basic of all the subjects, studies need to apply some of the principals that are learnt in History which will help them understand how the world is going," Nyirenda said.
With elections approaching, he added that voters need education on their roles and that political parties should offer "guiding policies for the betterment of the country."
Student Kelvin Mutotha welcomed the book as offering insights into the relationship between former Nyasaland and Rhodesia and Malawi's support for Zimbabwe's independence movement.
Faculty encouraged students to embrace reading more books to deepen their knowledge of Malawi's past.