Historian pens book on Kamuzu Academy

A history teacher at Kamuzu Academy Chikondi Chidzanja has written a book titled Kamuzu Academy: Critical Perspectives From Past to Present and Future of the Eton of Africa which tries to demystify the philosophy founding Hastings Kamuzu Banda had for the education institution.

In an interview, the author said the idea to write more about Kamuzu Academy came to mind when at the height of Covid-19, the institution was conducting online lessons which got him thinking about the past, present and future of the iconic educational institution.

He said: “During the Covid-19 times, I started reflecting on what would happen to the megastructure of Kamuzu Academy if indeed online lessons became the future of education.

“So, ultimately the book is about the future of Kamuzu Academy by looking at Kamuzu’s vision.”

Chidzanja said the content of the book is valuable as it will help Malawians to demystify Kamuzu as a person and provide useful insights into his Kamuzu Academy project.

“I think Kamuzu Academy is an embodiment of Kamuzu’s personal vision and standards. So, the book reveals those aspects to the reader,” he said.

Chidzanja said the book, which has 115 pages, is self published and will be distributed through major bookshops in Malawi. It will also be available on Ebook publication.

In her foreword, USA-based author Malawian Caroline Kautsire said as a former learner at Kamuzu Academy, reading the book awoke within her the academy’s spirit of excellence. She writes: “Like Chidzanja, I too see how Kamuzu Banda’s aspirations and persona are forever embedded in the way Kamuzu Academy exists and operates.”