In 1965, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Halie Selassie of Eithopia made the first State Visit to the newly independent Malawi.

His arrived at Chileka Airport in Blantyre at 10am on Monday 2 August 1965. He was welcomed by Dr. Banda, the Prime Minister, Sir Glyn Jones, the Governor General and Sattar Sacranie the Mayor of Blantyre/Limbe among other top officials of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Government.

Straight from the airport, the Emperor was taken on a state drive around Blantyre/Limbe enroute the Government House in the then capital city, Zomba. In the afternoon, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Governor General, cabinet ministers and the Ethiopian entourage, the Emperor was driven up the Zomba Mountain Plateau where they viewed a panoramic model of Phalombe plain and the Shire Highlands.

On 3 August 1965, in company of the Prime Minister, the Emperor visited Amalika Young Pioneers` Training Base in Cholo district. From Amalika, the two leaders proceeded to Naming`omba Tea Estate in the same district before driving to Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre for a civic luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Blantyre/Limbe, Clr. Sattar Sacranie.

The Emperor and his entourage finally left Malawi on Wednesday 4 August 1965. Before departure, he accorded special honours to 31 individuals who played significant tasks in making arrangements for this state visit.

Ref: https://www.rhodesianstudycircle.org.uk