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Editor’s Notes
This issue of the Journal commences with an important, methodically
researched and highly readable paper by Dr Dorothy Tembo titled ‘Missionaries
and the Standardisation of Vernacular Languages in Colonial Malawi,1875 –
1935’.
It is indeed a rare occasion that an article on sport features in these
pages, which makes Brian Brindley’s article ‘The Birth of Rugby Football in
Malawi’ all the more welcome. It is well to be reminded of the social value of all
such team games at this time when the present Covid pandemic has all but
curtailed such activities for the foreseeable future.
Professor Mel Page shares the result of research undertaken in 1972
when he interviewed Malawi’s asilikali, specifically in this instance a former
King’s African Rifles Warrant Officer, Titus Chimwere, who discussed details of
both his own childhood recollections of Pastor John Chilembwe and those of his
soldier father, Juma Chimwere.
Kathy Paul, the SOM’s Hon Secretary, next briefly recounts her
serendipitous find on-line of what she believes to be photos of the only San rock
paintings found to date in Malawi. This will be doubtless followed by a full
academic account after the paintings have been professionally evaluated and the
site excavated under the aegis of Malawi’s Department of Monuments and
Museums.
David Bone, a former Senior Lecturer, Department of Religious
Studies, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, offers a welcome, well-
researched and enlightening paper titled ‘The Establishment of Islam in Malawi’.
Mike Bamford follows with the results of his extensive research into
Anna Marie Hlawaczek’s short life. Anna Hlawaczek was a globe-trotting
adventurer whose arguably foolhardy solo attempt to walk from Cape Town to
Cairo ended with her untimely death in 1893 among the foothills of Mount
Mulanje.
Dr John Wilson next pays a warm, heartfelt tribute to former Nyasaland /
Malawi resident Enid Waterfield, who died earlier this year.
Finally, this issue ends with a book review by David Bone of Prof Mel
Page’s recent publication: Distinguished Conduct, An African Life in Colonial
Malawi.
The Society respectfully reminds Members that 2021
subscriptions are now due. Full payment details are to be found
on page 60.
David Stuart-Mogg
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