South African neurologists testified at Banda's trial that his failing memory rendered him incapable of giving evidence. Requests for interviews are now declined for the same reason. Two weeks ago he was visited by a choir from the Presbyterian church who sang and prayed for him. He couldn't hear the prayers. Occasionally he is taken for drives around Blantyre and the countryside of baobab trees and stunted maize stalks.
Crowds stare silently, probably fearfully.
Kamuzu Highway in Blantyre is gone, replaced by Chipembere Highway, named after a colleague Banda chased into exile at independence. Kamuzu stadium is renamed Chichiri stadium, and Kamuzu airport in the capital is now Lilongwe airport. The government has bitten off huge chunks of the vast financial empire he acquired during his rule. Two state residences he appropriated have been taken back, and the government is challenging the title to Mudi House. The Press Trust was set up to make the loans kosher.