#KnowYourCosafaCupCountries: Malawi

Malawi is a small land-locked country in south-east Africa, enclosed by Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania.

The first flag of independent Malawi was adopted on 6 July 1964. The rising sun represents the dawn of hope and freedom for the continent of Africa (when the flag was created, more countries in Africa were gaining independence from European rule). The black represents the indigenous people of the continent, the red symbolizes the blood of their struggle, and the green represents nature.

POLOKWANE – One of its two World Heritage sites, Lake Malawi, a source of fish, which forms an important part of its staple food, forms about one third of the country and is 587km long and around 84km wide.

A lone fisherman in his dug-out canoe after throwing out his nets on the lake.

Some parts of the lake are up to 701 m deep, around 213m below sea level.

English is the official language, with around 57% of its people also speaking Chichewa.

Malawian cuisine is diverse, with tea and fish being popular features. Sugar, coffee, corn, potatoes, sorghum, cattle and goats are also important components of the cuisine and economy.

Typical Malawian cuisine: Chambo (a fish found in Lake Malawi) with rice and vegetables.

Lake Malawi is a source of fish including chambo (similar to bream) usipa (similar to sardine), and mpasa (similar to salmon and kampango). Fish is dried or smoked to preserve it for later use.

Fish being dried for using later in the fishing harbour at Cape MacClear along Lake Malawi.

Dug-out canoes are typically used to throw nets into the lake to catch fish by the local Malawian people.

Nsima is a food staple made from ground corn and typically served with side dishes of meat and vegetables. It is commonly eaten for lunch and dinner.

Lake Malawi is 587 km long and 84 km wide and takes up one third of Malawi’s surface.

Facts about Malawi:

• It got its independence in 1964

• It’s nick-name is “The warm heart of the people” due to the loving nature of the Malawian people, which comprise of at least nine ethnic groupings, among other groups.

• The capital city is Lilongwe, which is also the largest city

• The country boasts around 18 091 525 people

• Malawi is a largely rural population, with agricultural products such as tea and sugar being exported.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za