Hastings Kamuzu Banda
(1905-1997), Prime Minister of MalawiSitter in 3 portraits
Banda received most of his formal education in the US and UK. After completing a third degree at the University of Edinburgh he established his own medicine practice in London. Becoming politically active by joining the Labour Party and Fabian Colonial Bureau, he returned home to his country (then British Nyasaland), speaking against colonialism and advocating independence. In 1963 he was formally appointed Prime Minister and led the country to independence as Malawi. Two years later, he proclaimed Malawi a republic, appointing himself president. As a leader he generally supported women's rights, improved the country's infrastructure and maintained a relatively good educational system but also presided over one of the most repressive regimes in Africa.
Hastings Kamuzu Banda having his head measured for a wax model by Bernard Tussaud
by Unknown photographer
gelatin silver print, 11 April 1960
NPG x198396
by Rex Coleman, for Baron Studios
5 x 4 inch film negative, 7 December 1964
NPG x125647
by Rex Coleman, for Baron Studios
5 x 4 inch colour transparency, 7 December 1964
NPG x125648
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