Chuma and Susi

Chuma was released from slave traders and journeyed with Livingstone during his last nine years of travel.

Chuma and Susi were loyal servants of explorer David Livingstone.

Status

Chuma and Susi came to attention after their employer Livingstone died at Chitambo's village (in modern day Zambia). They decided to carry his body all the way to Bagamoyo (on the coast of modern day Tanzania) where it was handed over to the British authorities and transported to London for burial.

Background

Chuma was only a boy when Livingstone and Bishop Charles MacKenzie freed him from slavers in 1861.[1] From that day Livingstone became his only "family". He was from the Yao tribe, and probably came from present day Mozambique or Malawi.

Chuma accompanied Susi on their epic march to return Livingstone's body, and accompanied Livingstone's remains to England. He afterwards served in mission work in the Nyassa country.

Susi joined Livingstone at Chupanga in present day Mozambique when he was employed to cut wood on Livingstone's "Second Journey".[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 David Livingstone and Horace Waller (ed.): The Last Journals of David Livingstone in Central Africa from 1865 to his Death. Two Volumes. John Murray, London, 1874.