President Rupiah Banda today joined hundreds of people gathered at Lusaka’s show grounds to commemorate the 45yaers of Zambia’s independence.
During the independence celebrations President Banda honored the late South African freedom fighter Oliver Reginald Tambo of the African National Congress (ANC), with the order of the Eagle of Zambia’s First Division posthumously.
The late freedom fighter Oliver Tambo was honoured for his contributions in the struggle for freedom and the services he rendered to the African National Congress’ ANC struggle for freedom.
He also contributed to the liberation struggle of people in South Africa when he was ambassador.
Ntombi Mekgwe sister to the late freedom fighter Oliver Tambo received the award posthumously and was accompanied by the daughter Thembi Tambo.
And receiving the award on behalf of the late freedom fighter Oliver Tambo’s sister Ntombi Mekgwe said South Africa was proud of Zambia’s contributions towards that country’s independence.
She said the family is honored as Oliver Tambo has been recognized in Zambia adding that he also contributed to the freedom that Zambia has and enjoys to date.
The President also honored 17 year old Axencio Mawele with the honor of the President’s medal for his bravery in rescuing a one year and six months old baby who fell in a well at the University of Zambia UNZA school grounds on March 15, 2007 in Lusaka.
Others who were honored at a colorful investiture ceremony included first division order of the companion of freedom Leo Chikwanda while the second division distinguished service award went to Darius Dustin Nyangulu and Archwell Mengo.
This year’s independence was celebrated under the theme, “celebrating 45years of independence in the spirit of reconciliation and good neighborliness.”
The celebrations were characterized by a lot of entertainment from different performances from Zambia and South Africa.
ZANIS
Yada, yada, yada!!! From independence to dependence. Who paid for that cake, the Chinese?
How much do these women who dance for politicians get!!! in this time and era i think its about time women stood up and said no to being shamelessly used by african politicians…they dance and parade themselves in front of politicians at every opportunity,falling short of literally stripping
what causes these people to praise and worship these leaders is the power our constitution has given them. this power coupled with hunger what do you expect……..///////////? we need to reduce these powers especially the president otherwise there will continue to be abuse of this power such as making people praise and worship.
why is it that in other developed nations there is no such songs to praise the president like god. you guys in Diaspora Zambia needs you because you’ve all seen what it is like in the world
Announcement… All these women are singles. If they were married, which man can allow them to ringle their bottoms for politicians!
What can I do if I also from Kalingangalinga want to taste that cake? kale twalilepo Cake!
Yah, 45-years of independence but there is nothing to show really. Instead for us ordinary Zambians it has been a 45-years of independent plunder, 45-years of poor leadership, 45-years & still we don’t have our own constitution to stand the test of time. 45-years of political & economic retrogression. Need I go on? It’s sad & a shame for our beautiful country.
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bauze no.7. the econmic refugees left the country to go and clean toilets abroad. and now they are backing from their crampped up quarters in the diaspora. shame. if you think you can better run the affairs in ZED come back. you think where you are was built by just talking or barking…
#1 is correct. From Independent, even in poverty, to dependence in all areas of human endeavour i.e. political, economical … I have forgotten the others; It has been a long time since UNIP was kicked out. Any help out there?
Independence, what Independence??? Colonialism is back with a vengeance. Look how Hon Maxwell Mwale and Hon Simon Kachimba are being humiliated in public by the unscrupulous Chinese investors. Please send an investigative journalist here to Luanshya to unravel the Colonialism which is taking place. A few (very few) Zambians have been bought to “boot lick” for them under the guise of inward investment. THE WHOLE SITUATION STINKS!!! PRESIDENT BANDA IS IMPOTENT!!! AND HE IS DAILY CONTRIBUTING TO THE MALODOROUS STENCH. Please come and see for yourselves. We have gone backwards in 45 years. The late freedom fighters will be fuming in their graves, everything they fought for has been flshed down the Zambezi River towards China and India!!!!!
I hope you also take time to recognise the Zambians who fought for Independence and yet seem to be so forgotten, like the Kapwepwes, Nkumbula and many other Zambians who deserve to be in our history everyday of our lives. Zambians impress me in how we are so quick to please others before ourselves. Among the many Zambians who fought for Independence we have women such as mama Julia Chikamoneka and many others who fought for Independence and yet died like popers because of how we don’t keep our history and pass it on. Our history is precious and our children need to know how far we have come and then appreciate it. How did a simple person in Kanyama celebrate this? I am sure not everyone had the privilege of having the cake!!
HAppy Birthday Zambia
EVEN KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED. In countries like Shri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia, every expatriate worker INVITED TO WORK IN THOSE COUNTRIES, is bound by the immigration laws to pass on knowledge (knowledge transfer) to the local people. Our expats in Zambia keep their knowledge to themselves with the sanguine hope of getting a renewed contract. PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA, PLEASE WAKE UP. You should see how Chinese youths are slapping us in the fact with their work permits at Lusaka Airport, did they qualify under the EIZ rules for such permits. What is Dr Bene and his coterie of professionals in the EIZ doing, or, are their hands tied? THEN WE CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE! Our professionals are languishing in the townships with their degrees, diplomas and decades of experience!!!
Wanu ngiya ngeni ngeni, wantana keke ngeni ngeni…, keke yalowaa ngeni ngeni!!!!! Oi how many citizens had a piece of that independence cake?
Ba LT, we were hoping for some independence pics! Anyway, maybe mailo…
The first picture shows the president cutting the cake while his grand son oh sorry son looks on!
Guys, check this website: . The high yellow marks on Kanitundila’s volumptous bongo belly, is that where Kolwe the babtist’s holy pee of babtism landed? Now we know that was not enough because no desired results, unlike Mpombo’s full submersion babtism, have been seen in Banda. Maybe a Gorilla of Munyo-nyo should have submersion Kanitundila in Lake Victoria, together with the Challenger to give Zambia salvation from this stinking mediocrity.
WHAT THE HELL IS MPATAMATA MIKE SAYING. WHEN WE COME TO YOUR COUNTRIE WE MARRY YOUR WOMEN AND TAKE THEM BACK TO OUR COUNTRIE. THIS WAY WE GET THEM OUT OF THE POVERTIE IN ZAMBIA, PLUS THEY ESCAAPE THE ABUSSE OF THE ZAMBIAN MALE. WE LATER TAKE ONE OR TWO OF HER SISTERS WHO LIVE LIKE FAMILY WITH US AND WE EDUCATEE HER/THEM. SO AS AN EXPAT, WE HELP ZAMBIA, AND EMPOWERE THE GIRL CHILDE
ONE ZAMBIA…………!!!!
The reason why Zambians of old fought for independence from the British was because the British treated us worse than animals,they denied us human rights,they stole our resources and built Britain and denied us democracy and one man one vote.We fought for independence so we could treat ourselves like humans,make use of our reources and improve the life of every Zambian,respect human rights and have democracy.Kaunda became greedy and drove Zambia to doom,the MMD have finally put the last nail in the Zambian coffin.There is nothing positive about Zambia’s independence except we exchanged British brutality with our own more brutal UNIP and MMD.
Pa zed yalibola. Chiluba with a stolen wife and now Rupia with his grandduaghter thandiwe and a small great grandson ohh sorry it is thandiwe the wife and thier first born son. By the way i hear that thandiwe is pregnant. Very soon we will have a baby at state house.Can someone confirm this.
It would be a soothing feeling to learn that even people from Shangombo and Kapijimpanga, Mtenguleni, Kazimule,Chief Kathumba, Mwase mphangwe, were able to share that Independence cake.. good on you Duniya or is it Temwani to be just there pronto! RB’s ‘son’ for the big juicy cake…. enjoy…………..
FYI…I dont partake in bikkies and cakes… too fattenning!!!(Doctors advice…)
Elyo imwe bamukukulu from the diaspora frm 1 – 17 Dont pretend to hav a heart for zed you are cowards who run away from the challenges of the country and you understanding very liitle about what is hapening here . So shut up and leave Zed to us. You would rather be called an economic refugee than toil in zed. The citizens of those countries worked and now they are enjoying the fruits and you go thier to pick the leftovers and you start yaping like pregnant frogs. If you are real come back and figth from within.
Now let me comment on independence there has never been real indepedence in Africa what the colonialists did was to temporariry go back to thier nations and come back disguised as investor this time around at the invitation of the the African leaders. Shame
Walasa Mulongoti…, but point of corection: some of us are out here for education, not to clean the white man’s toilets, as some pipo do. We intend to come back home asap
what about honoring freedom fighters in Kawambwa who asked the government to recognise their efforts in fighting for independence 45 years ago?
Happy Anniversary Zambia!
I hope that cake was not only reserved for the “high table” but there was enough to feed some bitter bellies and hungry mouths at large – like #21 Mulongoti.
No disrespect, ba Mulongoti but you cannot throw all the apples into one basket. You neither know the circumstances under which each diasporal blogger left the country nor do you even have a clue of their current personal engagements in Zambia.
Remember that the Jews outside Israel play a more influential role in upholding the jewish state than those at home. Trevelling is learning”, so a little exposure outside Zed would be beneficial in your case to broaden your narrow scope of thinking.
No.21.. we funnel money into the coffers of the country thruogh various companies to assist in fighting inflation,so before you throw dirt be mindful of the direction the wind is blowing dust might blow into your mouth or eyes,my brother,the indians are not stupid to have Kamwala shops,check yourself….
“Travelling is learning” is what I meant, my spelling is not particularly good today, but i haven’t got enough time to refine it. See y’all soon, take care of yourselves.
Bloggers, I read with great sadness at some of the comments being made by diasporas and insults traded back by those in Zambia. Whereever this exchange ends us to, it does not change the fact that things are so bad in Zambia. It is a country where very few are living in paradise and the majority wallowing in poverty. All important institutions that are required to revive the economy are crambling and the poor have no voice from the Government. We need to carefully reflect on this and consider actions we can undertake to help change the future of our children. Think about law and order where is it in the country? Where is justice from the courts? Which hospitals are treating the poor? Open your eyes and see how you can use your vote! Insults will not help.
#21 Mulongoti my brethren there is no need to be so negative and resentful towards Zambians in the diaspora. The fact they have time to comment about Zambian affairs is essentially that they do care at heart. Zambia belongs to everyone with a Zambian Passport regardless of whereabouts. # 24 bashi chale well put – whats for xmas?
#17 learn some english while you are in there!
………………..in your narrow minded scope! #17
#8 you are so wrong. …..Most Zambians in diaspora are hardworking and have developed work ethics abroad…..they range from accountants, managers, teachers , nurses , doctors, pilots, social workers, care workers etc. Z is losing alot of potential income from them. For example Z refuses to increase the wages of their doctors and nurses. They have families to feed and have no choice but go to diaspora. Additionally, the MMD govt ( especially Chiluba) in it’s 20 yrs rule has sold every industry they can lay their hands on… leaving no jobs for their own people.Infact , there is nothing wrong with cleaning a toilet ….it is better than being corrupt and having the so called $8.5 million in an account whilst people around you suffer. Humbleness is a great trait. Proverbs 22v4
LoooooL! Peoplehave been bitter for years….why because independence celebrations in Zambia have been about the cake crap, holly, molly. For the people in the diaspora it has always been about, drinking, eating and getting booked for driving drunk! Welcome to my country.
I left Zambia in 1964, a child born in the colonial era. and even though I am european and live in the opulent west I still consider Zambia my home. I have only travelled home once in the last 40 years and I found the journey home very emotional. I have watched the political development and the economic situation with interest and often with sadness. But it is still home and for what it’s worth I love my home land. My prayer is that those charged with it’s day to day government will rejoice in a country that is beautiful and filled with untold potential. and that with wisdom and integrity they will lead in the days ahead.
#33 words of wisdom ,love and observation for the beloved motherland Zambia. A beautiful place always known as home to many far and near .
#24,25 and 28 now this is what i call being dull. Firstly u guyz arent among the blogers i refered to. I have no quarrel with zeds in diaspora who are contributing to the economical growth of our nation. Soory if you misunderstood me. But if you are in daispora then uchulafye come back pliz now. I have travelled extensively my brother but i m here at home and toiling for mother zed. All good zeds in diaspora dont you worry about that message it wasnt meant for you. I m sure those who responded to me are stranded out there. The truth pains you know. i wiil only leave zed when i qualify to be call an international invest. At the moment i m a local invest.
Mulongoti teka bola panshi, Moving or traveling extensively does not permit you to have the experience that those who choose to leave Zambia have experienced. Maybe let me say, they decided to leave Zambia due to various issues to consider and things to miss out but this does not take away the issue of ‘there is no place like home’. In bemba we say shilunga no kubwela’ I’m living the foreign country but never I have failed to do something in my country. ‘Akabundi kafushisha amabula kundo’ meaning ‘ i have to make sure where I come from I make it a better place. We are not resentful or against the govt but the govt is a problem and not the solution. We have seen people from rugs to richies within the shortest period of time and decisions that are made are not in the interest of…
I held my breath when those huge women from South Africa stepped on the stage I thought it was going to collapse under their wieight. Alas it did not. As for the Zambian women they have nothing productive to do coz they seem to be happy dancing as old as they are. No shame, dancing is supposed to be done by young ones not old women exposing themselves in public. What are the NGO’s doing to stop such acts?
Mulongoti you’re a shame. You are trying to criminalise Zambians for leaving the country. It’s not an offence to leave outside Zambia. If you don’t like travelling for what ever reason don’t but you shouldn’t blame those that have left for the misfortunes of the country. The point you’re missing is that we are saddened by the fact that 45years have passed & we still don’t seem to have found the right balance to take us to the promised land. Just to draw comparison, it took Germany almost 45-years to rebuild themselves after the II world War which can be equated to the same number of years that we have been independent but what do we have to show for those years. I for one owe no one an apology for leaving Zambia coz I have done more for my country Zambia than you Mulongoti…
Mulongoti, stop being a kaponya & start reading and seeing things beyond what you read in newspapers, hear on radio or see on TV.
Mulongoti be reasonable enough to know that we in diaspora do send money back home to our relatives, this has helped to sustain the forex needed so much in our nation, we are here but still love our nation we are contributing in so many ways,. it our desire is that the kind of governance we have here be achieved in zambia. where accountability is concerned, we have not run away we are fighting with you for the betterment of our nation zambia
Mwantengamina mwe mbutushi can someone from home reason with. May be i will take your advice not from these guyz. Why chikababani when i have made it clear that this message is not meant for those who are positively contributing to zed development though you are in the diaspora but i stil continue receiving attacks. this interest. I didnt know tha there are so many people stranded in the diaspora. Now from now on anyone who responds to this ti means you are just stranded and it pains you to be reminded that you are an economical refugee. Period. Bye for now
Bushe ba RB, did you hour that young boy Axencio Mawele with just the medal, or limbi mwalimushitilako naka House somewhere. He saved a soul at UNZA last year, an 18 months baby. Atleast the governement should do something to young Mawele. Dont just buy things for sports men/women.
Ala our president is losing it. On Zambian Independence he honors someone who contributed zero to our independence. What did Oliver Thambo do or Zambia’s independence? RB should honor people like Kapwepwe, Nkumbula, Katilungu, Chikamoneka and other Zambian freedom fighters. He could have waited on to honor Oliver Tambo on SA independence day at their embassy or in South Africa were it would make more sense and be validated by the masses. By the way, I heard that RB had invited masses from other countries but I saw Zambians who were not allowed to partake in the Show Grounds celebrations because of some cake? What a leader RB is. Zambians were betrayed and denied what they deserved. At least KK we used to drink milk and a bun from Supaloaf.
I agree with 42 a country must take time to honour even those who seem insignificant from time to time. To only acknowledge those that by some twist of fortune manage to register on an international level will leave out the local heros, the special people that deserve credit.
We need to acknowledge those that do the mundane jobs as well, the cleaners, the teachers, the nurses, the taxi drivers and bus drivers, the rubbish collectors… these people are all important… I guess it is a lesson in humility and honesty and integrity. Not to think too highly of ourselves and more highly of others
it has lost the meaning now mwe