President Hakainde Hichilema says late first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda is remembered for his immense contribution to national development.
He has noted that the late founding father championed economic transformation post-independence, prioritising infrastructure development, with progressive policies such as free education.
Speaking in a speech read for him by Vice President Mutale Nalumango during the fifth memorial service for Dr Kaunda in Lusaka, the head of State is pleased that his administration has successfully carried on the legacy of development.
He noted that his administration reintroduced and enacted free education into law, further ensuring access to quality infrastructure for all Zambians.
“Under KK’s leadership, infrastructure development was a priority. Schools, hospitals, roads, industries, among many others, were built for the benefit of all citizens. It is pleasing to note that his legacy of ensuring that Zambians had access to quality infrastructure, has continued to this day”, the President stated.
And family representative, Panji Kaunda, urged the nation to embrace unity and love as the country heads into elections.
Colonel Kaunda who is the late Dr Kaunda’s son reflected on the calm and of oneness that spread across the nation at the time of his father’s passing, recalling how the late leader’s farewell journey around the country touched citizens.
He appealed to Zambians to rekindle the spirit of unity and care for one another, stressing that elections are only a passing phase while the country itself endures.
Colonel Kaunda cautioned that what is destroyed in the heat of political contest may never be repaired, warning that the ultimate loss would be borne by the nation as a whole.
“Our appeal, Madam Vice President and fellow leaders, is that we repeat the spirit of love and oneness and care for one another as we go into these elections. Elections are but a passing phase, but the country remains,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, former Zambia Army Commander General Kingsley Chinkuli described Dr Kaunda as “a giant among men” who guided the nation through turbulent times with vision and love.
General Chinkuli noted that Dr Kaunda’s leadership was marked by courage, hard work and a commitment to peace over power, inspiring both the military and the nation.
He explained that Dr Kaunda gave clear direction to build a strong, modern defence force that was united beyond tribal lines, in line with his national motto of One Zambia, One Nation.
Meanwhile, Granddaughter to the late Kaunda, Nachilima Kaunda, also remembered him as a man who, despite his demanding schedule, always found time for family.
Dr Kaunda recalled Christmas traditions at Kasaba Bay, where Kaunda shared laughter and love with his grandchildren away from politics.
KK was not a liar. He was a good humble leader. MHSCRIEP