NATIONAL MAUSOLEUMS: PRESERVING THE STORIES OF MALAWI’S GREAT MEN THROUGH ELEGANT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

“And when I die, I’ll keep on living,” sang Real Milli Vanilli in their song “When I Die.” As part of preserving the history of Malawi—and specifically the people who left a lasting mark on the nation—the country currently has three mausoleums for notable figures. The first is for the founding Head of State, Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda. This mausoleum is located near the Malawi Parliament Building in City Centre, Lilongwe. As a public landmark, visitors are welcome to the site; one should not leave the country without visiting the final resting place of its first leader.

In Thyolo District, Southern Malawi, stands the mausoleum for the third Head of State, Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika. This structure was constructed with personal resources in preparation for his eventual passing. During his funeral, foreign dignitaries and Heads of State witnessed the ceremony while seated inside the elegant structure. Curious visitors may access the site after following the proper clearance procedures.

In the Northern Region, plans are underway to build a fitting mausoleum for freedom fighter Thom Chakufwa Chihana, who first challenged the undemocratic rule of the era. Though he spent time in prison, he was later released, and multiparty democracy was eventually ushered in through the 1993 referendum. We owe a debt to the fearless spirit of Chakufwa Chihana, who laid the democratic foundation for the freedoms and human rights Malawians enjoy today.

Ready to explore the stories of the men who shaped modern Malawi? From the heart of the Capital City to the rolling hills of Thyolo, these architectural wonders await. Start your journey at the Kamuzu Memorial in Lilongwe this weekend. Don’t forget to check local visiting hours and clearance requirements for the Bingu wa Mutharika site to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.