844) Republic of Malawi (formerly "Nyasaland"): i) A Commemorative Banknote of K50 (50 Kwacha) issued by the Reserve Bank of Malawi in 2004 celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Independence from the British (1964-2004) ii) Evolution of Currency in Independent Malawi; iii) Present Banknote Series in circulation (since 2012) iv) Coins of Malawi:
About the Republic of Malawi:
Malawi is a landlocked country in South-east Africa that was formerly called "Nyasaland". Malawi is also nicknamed "The Warm Heart of Africa". The name "Malawi" derives from "Maravi", an old name of the Nyasa people, that inhabit this area.
It is bordered by Zambia to the North-west, Tanzania to the North-east and Mozambique on the East, South & West. Its capital is Lilongwe, the largest city in Malawi. Of the country's total land area of about 118,000 square kilometres, Lake Malawi covers about one-third of the territory.
The territories comprising present day Malawi were occupied by a small groups of hunter-gatherers.
Around the 10th Century, the territory of Malawi was settled by waves of migrating Bantu people.
By 1500 AD, the ethnic groups/tribes established the Kingdom of Marawi that extended from North of present day Nkhotakota to the Zambezi River and from Lake Lalawi to the Luangwa River in present day Zambia.
By 1600 AD, the Empire flourished, under one ruler, with trade and bartering exchanges and alliances with the Portuguese traders.
By 1700, the Empire broke down into several ethnic groups controlled areas.
Around the mid-1800 AD, the Arab Slave Trade reached its zenith and around 20,000-30,000 persons were enslaved and transported from Nkhotakota to Kilwa and sold as slaves.
In 1859, missionary & scout/explorer David Livingstone travelled upto Lake Nyasa (present day Lake Malawi) and identified areas for colonialization (the "Shire Highlands"). His trip brought about the establishment of several other Anglican & Presbyterian missions and the setting up of the "African Lakes Company Limited" (1988) which was set up as a trade and transport at Blantyre enterprise to work closely with the missions.
In 1883, a British Consul was posted at this settlement.
In 1889, a British Protectorate was proclaimed over the Shire Highlands.
In 1891, the Protectorate territories were extended to include the whole of present day Malawi in the name of "British Central Africa Protectorate" and renamed "Nyasaland".
In 1953, Nyasaland, which was hitherto a Protectorate of the United Kingdom, became a Protectorate of the semi-independent "Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland".
In 1963, this Federation was dissolved.
In 1964, the Protectorate over Nyasaland was ended and the country became independent acquiring a new name "Malawi", but still under Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1966, Malawi became a Republic.
As usually seen all over the British Empire, the British left an impoverished nation which ranks among the least developed countries in the world.
Present day Malawi suffers from low life expectancy and high infant mortality. Several programmes have been undertaken by the Malawian government to improve education, improving agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, building up the economy etc. which are showing some good results.
The currency of Malawi is the Kwacha subdivided into 100 Tambala supervised by the Central Bank of Malawi:
In 1971, the Kwacha replaced the British Malawi Pound, the South African Rand and the Rhodesian Dollar which were hitherto circulating in Malawi. The first Banknotes introduced in that year were 50 Tambala, K1 (One Kwacha), K2 (Two Kwacha) and K10 (Ten Kwacha).
The name Kwacha was first used in Zambia where the Zambian Kwacha was introduced in 1968. This term is derived from the "Chinyanja" or "Chichewa" word meaning "it has dawned", while "Tambala" means "rooster" in Chichewa. The Tambala is so named because "a hundred roosters announce the new dawn" (symbolising the "Dawn of Freedom in Malawi from the British yoke").
Since then, higher value Kwacha denominations have been progressively introduced, without necessarily reviewing the series in terms of technological Banknote design trends, financial implications of Banknote procurement, economic developments and historical aspects et al.
In 1973, the K2 Banknote was discontinued and a K5 (5 Kwacha) Banknote was circulated.
In 1983, a K20 (20 Kwacha) Banknote was introduced into circulation.
In 1986, the 50 Tambala Banknotes were last issued.
In 1992, the printing of K1 (1 Kwacha) Banknotes was stopped.
In 1993, K50 (50 Kwacha) Banknotes were introduced
In 1995, a K200 (200 Kwacha) Banknote denomination was introduced.
In 2001, a K500 (500 Kwacha) Banknote was put into circulation.
In 2016, a K2000 (2000 Kwacha) Banknote denomination was circulated to ease desperate cash shortages.
A Commemorative Banknote issued by the Reserve Bank of Malawi in 2004 celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Independence from the British (1964 - 2004):
The Front of the K50 Banknote shows the Independence Arch in Blantyre, Malawi.
The Independence Arch in Blantyre:
The Independence Arch
The currency of Malawi is the Kwacha subdivided into 100 Tambala supervised by the Central Bank of Malawi:
In 1971, the Kwacha replaced the British Malawi Pound, the South African Rand and the Rhodesian Dollar which were hitherto circulating in Malawi. The first Banknotes introduced in that year were 50 Tambala, K1 (One Kwacha), K2 (Two Kwacha) and K10 (Ten Kwacha).
The name Kwacha was first used in Zambia where the Zambian Kwacha was introduced in 1968. This term is derived from the "Chinyanja" or "Chichewa" word meaning "it has dawned", while "Tambala" means "rooster" in Chichewa. The Tambala is so named because "a hundred roosters announce the new dawn" (symbolising the "Dawn of Freedom in Malawi from the British yoke").
Since then, higher value Kwacha denominations have been progressively introduced, without necessarily reviewing the series in terms of technological Banknote design trends, financial implications of Banknote procurement, economic developments and historical aspects et al.
In 1973, the K2 Banknote was discontinued and a K5 (5 Kwacha) Banknote was circulated.
In 1983, a K20 (20 Kwacha) Banknote was introduced into circulation.
In 1986, the 50 Tambala Banknotes were last issued.
In 1992, the printing of K1 (1 Kwacha) Banknotes was stopped.
In 1993, K50 (50 Kwacha) Banknotes were introduced
In 1995, a K200 (200 Kwacha) Banknote denomination was introduced.
In 2001, a K500 (500 Kwacha) Banknote was put into circulation.
In 2016, a K2000 (2000 Kwacha) Banknote denomination was circulated to ease desperate cash shortages.
A Commemorative Banknote issued by the Reserve Bank of Malawi in 2004 celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Independence from the British (1964 - 2004):
The Independence Arch in Blantyre:
It was constructed to commemorate and symbolise the bitter struggle that Malawians underwent in the fight against the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It represents the sheer determination of the local people It was opened on 03.07.1964 by Dr. Hastings Kamuzu, the founder of the Malawi nation.
The University of Malawi (UNIMA) in Zomba:
The University of Malawi was established in 1965 and is composed of five constituent colleges - Bunda College in Lilongwe, Chancellor College in Zomba, College of Medicine in Blantyre, Kamuzu College of Nursing in Lilongwe and Malawi Polytechnic in Blantyre
The Vision of the University is to provide "relevant world-class education, research and services for sustainable development of Malawi and the World".
The University is a centre of knowledge, development of skills, values, ideas and attitudes for engaging developmental challenges in Malawi.
The University has around 7,500 students on its rolls, including from other countries.
UNIMA celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its establishment in September 2015.
The Bakili Muluzi Bridge in Mangochi:
Mangochi town is at an elevation of about 1,500 feet (or 470 metres) near the Southern end of Lake Malawi, between the main Lakeshore Road and the Shire River and about 8 kilometres South of its entrance into Lake Malombe. The Bridge is built over the Shire River.
The 1997 Series of Banknotes:
This Banknote Series consisted of seven denominations - K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200 and K500.
On the Front of all the Banknote denominations in this Series was depicted John Chilembwe (1871-1915) who was an educator, pastor and an early activist in the resistance to colonialism in Nyasaland (present Day Malawi)
On the Back of the K5 Banknote was depicted a scene of villagers mashing grain. The colour of this Banknote was predominantly green and its dimensions were 126 mm x 63 mm.
On the Back of the K10 Banknote were depicted children in a "bush" school. The colour of this Banknote was predominantly brown and its dimensions were 132 mm x 66 mm.
On the Back of the K20 Banknote was depicted workers harvesting tea leaves. The colour of this Banknote was predominantly purple and its dimensions were 138 mm x 68 mm.
On the Back of the K50 Banknote was depicted the Independence Arch in Blantyre. The colour pf this Banknote was blue and its dimensions were 144 mm x 72 mm.
On the Back of the K100 Banknote was depicted the Capital Hill in Lilongwe. The colour of this Banknote was red and its dimensions were 150 mm x 75 mm.
On the Back of the K200 Banknote was depicted the Reserve Bank building in Lilongwe. The colour of this Banknote was predominantly blue and its dimensions were 156 mm x 78 mm.
On the Back of the K500 Banknote is the Reserve Bank building in Blantyre. The colour of this Banknote is predominantly multi-coloured and its dimensions are 162 mm x 81 mm.
Banknote Review in 2007:
In 2007, the Banknote issue underwent a review which was necessitated primarily for the following reasons -
- To minimise currency production costs and increase operational efficiency.
- To modernise Banknote designs in line with changing international trends and adopting new technology features that enhance durability of the Banknotes.
- Adopting user friendly recognition features like raised dots and enlarged fonts for the visually challenged persons.
- To improve security of the Banknotes against modern counterfeiting technologies.
- Consequently, as a result of the currency review exercise, Banknote printing costs per denomination have been considerably reduced.
The Banknote themes -
The themes of the new Series of Banknotes have largely been derived from the long-term objectives outlined in the Malawi Growth and Development strategy (MDGS), some of which are also highlighted in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The 2012 Series of Banknotes:
This Banknote series was issued as a result of the Banknote Review carried out by the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Lazalo Mkhuzo Jere (1902 - 1959): He was coronated as the Paramount Chief of the Northern or Jere Ngoni in 1928. His 31 years on the throne saw him emerge as a development conscious leader. He was one of the most powerful and fearless Kings, the Jere Ngoni have had since they settled in Northern Malawi in the mid -Nineteenth Century.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 128 mm x 64 mm and its colour is predominantly purple.
This Banknote was first printed on 23.05.2012.
Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani II - Philip Maseko (11/1894 - 12.05.1954):
He was the son of Gomani Chikuse who was brutally beheaded by the colonial government in 1896 for opposing British rule. He succeeded his father to the throne, and was the most development conscious paramount chief the Maseko Ngoni had during the colonial period. In the 1930s and 1940s, he carried out programmes for improving the health, sanitation, education and agriculture of his people.
In 1951, he opposed the colonial government for setting up the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and openly opposed British taxation telling his people not to pay any taxes to the British government and to disregard stringent regulations imposed on his people by the government in regard to agriculture and forestry.
He exhorted the people of Nyasaland to seek self-government. He was deposed by the authorities and sent into exile at Zomba Central Prison, where he died a martyr - upholding the dignity and freedom of his people.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 128 mm x 64 mm and its colour is predominantly Light blue and green.
This Banknote was first printed on 23.05.2012.
James Frederick Sangala (1900 - 1974): He was a member of the African Nyasaland Congress (ANC) which sought unified voice to local associations in Nyasaland and to press for more rights to Africans.
He bridged the leadership gap in the development of Nationalism in Malawi between the John Chilembwe era (1900-1915) and the Kamuzu Banda era (1958-1994). He served as Founder and first Organising Secretary of the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) from 1938-1944 and again from 1954 - 1956 as President of NAC. He advocated civil disobedience and penned the motto "to struggle for freedom and peace for all.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 128 mm x 64 mm and its colour is predominantly red.
This Banknote was first issued on 23.05.2012.
Scan image to be uploaded here
On the Front of the K200 Banknote is depicted the Reserve Bank of Malawi headquarters building in Lilongwe and Rose Lomathinda Chibambo.
Rose Lomathinda Chibambo (Born 08.09.1928):
She was a prominent politician in the British Protectorate of Nyasaland prior to gaining independence and immediately thereafter.
She became the first organiser and motivator of women for the Independence Movement in Nyasaland - a role she played at the local, regional and national levels. She attracted world-wide attention and sympathy, when she was jailed with her two week's old baby during the Nyasaland State of Emergency of 1959/60. for her anti-colonial activities. She was released a year later.
When Malawi became independent, she became the first chairperson of the MCP Women's League, the first woman to enter the Legislative Council or Parliament and the first woman to join the Council of Ministers. in Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda's first cabinet.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 132 mm x 66 mm and its colour is predominantly blue and violet.
This Banknote was first issued on 23.05.2012.
Reverend John Chilembwe (1871 - 02/1915):
He was a Baptist educator, pastor and an early activist in the resistance to colonialism in Nyasaland.
In 1900, he founded the Industrial Providence Mission (PIM) and instilled the values of hard work, self esteem and self help in his community.
In 1913, Chilembwe came into conflict with the colonial authorities and white settlers over such brutal aspects of colonial rule as hut taxation, land alienation and the problem of Thangata system, harsh treatment of African workers on European estates, erosion of traditionally chiefly authority and the enlistment of African men for service in the British Imperial wars elsewhere in Africa and abroad.
On 23.01.1915, Chilembwe staged an uprising against male white owners of tea plantations who were oppressing workers. The uprising was suppressed within a week of battle and Chilembwe was shot and killed while fleeing to Mozambique.
His place in history as one of the pioneers of African freedom and leaving behind a legacy of unprecedented resistance to colonial rule is indisputable.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 132 mm x 66 mm and its colour is predominantly brown and orange.
This Banknote was first issued on 23.05.2012.
Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda (1898 - 11/1997):
He was the father and founder of Malawi and architect of the country's post-colonial Nation. He served as Prime Minister (1963 - 1966), President (1966 - 1971) and Life President (1971-1994).
He was one of the leading Pan-Africanists to come out of post-War Africa and an arch-critic of the Central African Federation of which Malawi (then Nyasaland) became a part from 1953 to 1963. He led the country's independence struggle through the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) and then the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
After independence, he dedicated himself in re-building the new nation and coined the motto "Unity, Loyalty, Obedience and Discipline", which underlined the importance of national unity and the spirit of hard work. He actively supported and promoted women's rights, education and health services.
To the right, is a silhouette, at right, of two persons mashing maize.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 132 mm x 66 mm and its predominant colour is green.
This Banknote was first issued on 23.05.2012.
The first disciplines were - metallurgy and materials engineering, chemical engineering and bio-medical engineering. Presently the University conducts 14 under-graduate programmes and 2 Post graduate courses.
The predominant colour of this Banknote is yellow. This banknote was first issued on 01.06.2016.
Coins of Malawi:
In 1971, the first coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2 (both denominations copper-plated steel), 5 (nickel plated steel), 10 and 20 Tambala.
In 1986, 50 Tambala and K1 (both denominations brass-plated steel) coins were circulated.
In 01/2007, K5 and K10 coins were circulated bearing a mint date of 2006.
In 2012, new K1, K5 and K 10 Kwacha coins were circulated.
(The Commemorative Banknote celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Independence of Malawi is from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Post researched & written by Rajeev Prasad)
Some other interesting posts from the African Continent on this blog:
13) Currency & Coinage of Ghana: Cedis & Pesewas
14) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India
Vikram Bhatnagar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Good commentary Rajeev and, best wishes to the people of Malawi to rise and shine!"
Thanks, Vikram. This banknote image is from a friend's collection. The scanned images were lying on my laptop for the past few years. I don't know how I missed it. Anyway better late than never. The people of Malawi deserve all our best wishes in their endeavours to excel.
ReplyDeleteKrishnayya Ramadana has commented:
ReplyDelete"The writeup in the blog is quite comprehensive about the Kwacha Rajeev and with a touch of Malawi history as well......meticulous as always....."
Thanks, Krishnayya for the encouraging comment, as always.
DeleteAarsh Mahajan has commented:
ReplyDelete"Fantastic uncle".
Thanks, Aarsh. There is so much to learn about a country's history, culture and people from it's currency notes and coins. It is quite fascinating indeed.
DeleteAarsh Mahajan has further commented:
Delete"It shows their rich heritage culture and something to learn."
Ratan Daryanani has commented:
ReplyDelete"Always something interesting to learn from you, Rajeev ...
Hope you had a happy n fun Diwali ... :)"
Thanks, Ratan. Much appreciate.
Delete