Page 26 - Number 2 2021 Volume 74

14 The Society of Malaŵi Journal

independence for Nyasaland (modern-day Malawi) and were imprisoned for their
struggle. Both were eventually released and went into politics and education
across the world. Prof, as he was known by many, became the first ambassador
from Malawi to the US and United Nations (UN) and during his appointment,
resigned due to his disagreement with the policies of life president, Kamuzu
Banda. He then returned to teaching. He had mum at his side as they went into
exile for 30 years across the African continent, before coming back home.
Gertrude loved her role as a mother to Kwame, Sekou, Tengo, Lunga and
Lindiwe. She was also a guardian mother to Desire, Natasha, Inga, Olinka and
David. The following stories are told by Lindiwe and Victoria.
Keywords: Rubadiri, teacher, well, mentor.

Mornings with Mum
Dawn would be the time that women in the community start their journey
to the well.
It is also our time at the well.
Most mornings, wherever I am in the world, I call my mother. She sits
by the phone waiting for it to ring. She might have guests in the house, or she may
be watching her favourite show, but she is waiting for my call. I’m sitting at my
desk and I’m looking at the time with my phone in hand, just about to make the
connection.
A morning call about the day that passed carries with it words on how
she is doing and on how the community around her is faring.
After Dad’s passing, Mum re-defined herself in what was a new season
of her life.
As a mother, she saw to our well-being: remembering whose birthday it
was, which Saint’s Day it was or who to celebrate that day.
th
We laugh as we recall my 6 birthday. We were living in Uganda as
political refugees from Dr Banda’s Malawi. At the time Idi Amin, the Ugandan
state president, was a fierce dictator. Food was scarce. On this day there were no
family plans for a birthday party for me – but then again, I did. Having written
invitations to all my classmates at Nakasero Primary School, I let the secret out to
my brother, Lungala, who made sure that mum was in on the plan. Mum stretched
every penny she possessed to get some popcorn and soda so that the twins, the
only guests to show up, had something to eat. Mum always came through for us!
She was a place of refuge as a well often is to those who need refreshing.
She loved and engaged whatever community she found herself in, and, over the
years, she and Dad took in people who desperately needed accommodation. Many,
as refugees, were fleeing from danger and needed shelter. She knew what it was
like to live far from home. In her early years she had spent most of her time at
boarding school in foreign countries. She had also lived with extended family
members for long periods of time.