Background
She was born on May 30, 1927, at Ndombo village, near Blantyre.
She was born on May 30, 1927, at Ndombo village, near Blantyre.
Educated at Blantyre primary and secondary schools, she went to the Women’s Teacher Training College at Blantyre.
On graduation she returned to teach at Blantyre Primary School. Her early interest in politics took her into the Mighty Amazon Army. In 1959 she was the country’s leading woman political figure as chairman of the League of Malawi Women. In 1961 she stepped down to be vice-chairman but she was re-elected chairman in 1964.
After becoming councillor for the Ndirande ward of Blantyre she went on to become MP for Blantyre West. She has been a member of delegations to other countries including Ghana in 1962, Mozambique in 1964 and Britain in 1968. Since her appointment to the Presidential Office, Dr Banda has relied on her advice on many social questions and has given her special responsibilities to handle certain youth problems.