John Chilembwe Day in Malawi
John Chilembwe Day is a public holiday in Malawi, held on 15 January to commemorate Reverend John Chilembwe, a national hero associated with the 1915 uprising against colonial rule. Malawi’s Public Holidays Act names the day and sets out what happens when a scheduled holiday falls on a weekend.[1][3]
A holiday established by law
Malawi’s Public Holidays Act lists John Chilembwe Day on 15 January and provides that scheduled public holidays are to be kept by public offices and banks. It also allows the head of a government department to open its offices or works and require staff to perform duties on a public holiday.[1]
The Act says that when a scheduled holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the next succeeding day that is neither Sunday nor another public holiday becomes the public holiday instead. Under the Employment Act, an employee who is not required to work on a public holiday is entitled to leave with full pay, subject to the Act’s stated conditions. Employees required to work are entitled to additional pay for hours worked.[1][2]
Remembering John Chilembwe
Chilembwe was a Baptist minister who established the Providence Industrial Mission near Chiradzulu. In January 1915, he led an uprising against the colonial government in Nyasaland, now Malawi. The historical record describes the rising as quickly suppressed, while noting its lasting significance in Malawi’s history.[3][4]
The uprising was rooted in grievances against colonial rule. The Cambridge history account describes attacks by Chilembwe’s followers on the A.L. Bruce Estates and reports that the revolt was suppressed within a fortnight. It identifies Chilembwe as a significant national figure in Malawi’s historical memory.[4]
Commemorations in Malawi
Malawi’s Department of Arts and Heritage lists Chilembwe Day among the country’s national artistic and heritage events. Its calendar gives 15 January as the date and PIM, Chiradzulu, as the venue, describing the occasion as a day to celebrate Reverend John Chilembwe’s life and his role in the 1915 uprising.[3]
That official calendar confirms the commemorative focus and a venue, but does not specify a fixed programme of ceremonies, foods, or customs. Check local information for details of events.[3]
Planning for the day
Residents and visitors should check directly with the relevant service or business for shop, transport and school arrangements.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is John Chilembwe Day?
It is listed in Malawi’s Public Holidays Act on 15 January each year. If that date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Act provides for the next succeeding day that is neither Sunday nor another public holiday to be the public holiday.[1]
Is John Chilembwe Day a day off work?
An employee who is not required to work on a public holiday is entitled to leave with full pay, subject to the conditions in the Employment Act. The Act also provides additional pay for hours worked on a public holiday.[2]
Are banks and government offices closed?
The Public Holidays Act says scheduled public holidays are to be kept by public offices and banks. It also allows government department heads to open offices or works and require staff to work on a public holiday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for John Chilembwe Day in Malawi:
- Public Holidays Act- Malawi Legal Information Institute (MalawiLII)
- Employment Act No. 6 of 2000- Government of Malawi
- Malawi National Artistic & Heritage Events- Government of Malawi, Department of Arts and Heritage
- The Chilembwe Rising (Chapter 5) - A History of Malawi- Cambridge University Press