Vice President Mutale Nalumango says the national flag reminds the Zambian people of their identity and freedom that they enjoy.

The media reports that Mrs Nalumango says the hoisting of the national flag is a symbolic representation of the end to an imperialist reign and subsequent triumph by indigenous people over an oppressive minority rule.

Mrs Nalumango said the colours on the flag evokes feelings and pride that people have to now govern themselves whilst maintaining peace.

The Vice President, who led hundreds of Zambians in hosting of the national flag said this at the Showgrounds in Lusaka last evening to mark Zambia’s 61st independence anniversary.

She says it is in this vein that the government embarked on uniting the nation to actualise the desired development in order to improve the livelihoods of the people.

She also paid tribute to former first republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda for laying the foundation of “One Zambia, One Nation” which united all the 72 tribes.

“This remarkable moment, which resonates deeply with the nation’s history, commemorates the core values of freedom, peace, and unity that define Zambia,'” she said.

And speaking earlier, Defense Services Organising Committee Chairman, Likando Muyunda of the Zambia Army, said the fore fathers were selfless and put the interest of the people first.

Col Muyunda added that Dr Kaunda and his freedom fighters were patriotic.

Zambians clad in national colours filled the showgrounds to witness the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag.

Traditional dances and performances were exhibited showcasing Zambia’s historical emblems and were spiced up by Defense Choirs from various barracks across the country.

In a beautiful display of unity and patriotism, Zambians all across the country braved the dark of night in different locations to participate in the hoisting of the Zambian flag at midnight.

At 23:55 hours, Mrs Nalumango descended from her seat to the playing field to lead the jubilant crowd into a countdown of the hoisting of the flag.

President Hakainde Hichilema has bestowed honours and awards to several distinguished Zambia’s for there various contributions and outstanding service to the nation during the investiture ceremony held at State House today, to mark the independence commemoration which falls on 24th of October.

The media reports that Former Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Director of Programmes, Charles Mando is among those who were honoured posthumously under the order of the eagle of Zambia – 3rd division.

Mr Mando was honoured for the contribution he made to the development of journalism.

And Speaking to the media in an interview, on behalf of the family, Kunda Mando said the family is indebted to the government for recognising the works of the late father.

Ms Mando said the family is grateful to the government for recognising the contribution of the late Mr Mando to the development of journalism.

She stressed that the award bestowed on the late Mr Mando means a lot to the family.

Ms Mando explained that their Father, Mr Mando was dedicated to his work hence the recognition.

She indicated that the late Mr Mando was the true definition of hard-work.

Ms Mando has since implored young journalists to emulate his father who was dedicated and committed to duty.

She said journalism is more than fame or personality but rather about selfless service.

And Sixtus Mulenga was bestowed with the order of distinguished service 1st division.

Dr Mulenga was recognised for the contribution he made to the mining sector both locally and internationally.

Speaking to the media in an interview shortly after receiving the award, Dr Mulenga thanked President Hichilema for recognising his humble contribution to the growth of the mining sector.

He said the recognition from the government is humbling and pleasing.

Dr Mulenga pledged to continue contributing to the thriving of the mining sector and collaborating with the government.

Meanwhile, former Copper Queens Coach, Bruce Mwape was bestowed with the president’s insignia for meritorious achievement, this was in honour of the contribution he has made to the development of women football and sports.

Mr Mwape thanked President Hichilema for recognising his contribution to soccer development in the country.

He implored young people to exercise patience and discipline if they are to succeed in their football career.

At the same event, a Power Tools driver Bellington Mwape who saved over 50 people when the bus caught fire was also honoured for his bravery under the president’s medal for gallantry.

The President of Mozambique Daniel Chapo has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continue strengthening its partnership with Zambia and the spirit of solidarity and regional integration.

Speaking when he graced the investiture ceremony at State House, President Chapo indicated that celebrating Zambia’s 61st anniversary, is a reaffirmation of the hope of an Africa that moves forward, united and values its resources and the efforts of the freedom fighters.

The media reports that the Mozambican leader said that together with President Hakainde Hichilema firmly believe that through cooperation and unity of purpose will  build a future of shared prosperity and dignity for the people in the two countries.

He stated that Zambia has shown political maturity, social cohesion and resolve in its pathway to economic growth, with visible efforts for diversification and modernisation.

The President said that this has strengthened Zambia’s resilience and role as an example of stability and leadership in the continent.

“Mozambique and Zambia share an unbreakable friendship and commitment for peace and stability for the development of our people in a sustained manner,” President Chapo said.

He acknowledged and hailed Zambia for creating a pathway for his liberation against colonial struggles.

President Hichilema indicated the importance of peace, security and stability as essential for every country noting that it creates chances for sustainable development.

President Hichilema called on all nations to work to seek peace that will allow the continuation of the journey from where the freedom fighters left off to accelerate economic growth.

He noted that doing so will result into job creation, business opportunities for the youthful population, and raise treasury revenues to implement policies such as free education.

“They delivered political independence for us, the part of the relay that we perform is to deliver economic expansion and other things will fall in place,” President Hichilema said.

And President Hichilema announced plans to legislate free education, to make it a law for every child to be in school.

He reiterated that education is the best investment, inheritance and equalisation.

The Head of state also extended gratitude to Mozambique for the support by availing more electricity during the worst drought experienced in the country that kept the economy going.

President Hichilema stated plans to undertake a direct inter connector between Mozambique and Zambia to remain efficient in moving power to  and from the country.

He added that the two countries continue to compare notes for a shared vision of development in Mozambique.

President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Mozambique, emphasising enhanced cooperation in energy, transport, and trade.

Speaking during a state banquet held in honour of visiting Mozambican President Daniel Chapo at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka last night, President Hichilema praised Mozambique’s role in regional stability and trade facilitation, noting that both countries are working to strengthen transport links through the Nacala and Beira corridors, which provide Zambia access to the Indian Ocean.

The media reports that President Hichilema highlighted ongoing and prospective areas of collaboration, including energy generation and sharing, transport corridors linking the two countries, and increased business partnerships.

“Zambia is deeply grateful that you have joined us as we celebrate our 61^st Independence anniversary, your presence demonstrates the strong bond and shared history between our two nations, which dates back to the liberation struggle,” said President Hichilema.

He thanked Mozambique for supporting Zambia during periods of power shortages and expressed optimism about expanding regional energy connectivity.

“We agreed that we will work together to improve transport corridors and energy interconnections, we want to see more Mozambican investments in Zambia, and vice versa. Our partnership must deliver tangible economic benefits for our people,” President Hichilema said.

He noted that the two countries share a common vision of transforming historical solidarity into modern economic cooperation.

“Our freedom fighters liberated us politically. Now it is our duty to deliver economic liberation through jobs, trade, and opportunities,” President Hichilema said.

He also encouraged greater people-to-people exchange between the two nations, stressing that borders should serve as bridges rather than barriers.

Meanwhile, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening economic and energy cooperation with Zambia.

President Chapo said Mozambique and Zambia shared historic bonds of brotherhood and mutual struggle that dates back to the colonial era and the liberation movements that led to Mozambique’s independence on 25 June 1975.

The Mozambican leader emphasised his government’s priority to expand energy cooperation proposing new projects to increase electricity generation and cross-border power connectivity between the two countries

“This year marks 50 years of our independence, half a century of friendship and solidarity, Zambia was our second home during the struggle, and today it remains our partner in building prosperity,” President Chapo said.

 “Mozambique can supply power and gas to Zambia, while Zambia’s growing economy opens new markets for our industries,” he said.

President Chapo suggested that the two governments sign a memorandum of understanding to reduce bureaucratic delays and accelerate joint investment projects.

He also invited Zambian investors to explore opportunities in Mozambique’s energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.

“Our partnership must be nonstop, from energy to trade, from our generation to our grandchildren, we owe it to the future to transform our historic friendship into sustainable economic growth,” he said.

The state banquet was attended by, Senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders from both Zambia and Mozambique.

The state banquet capped a day of high-level talks focused on energy, transport, and trade integration, part of President Chapo’s three-day state visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between Mozambique and Zambia.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, today led dignitaries in a wreath laying ceremony at the Chipata cenotaph in Eastern Province.

The laying of wreaths is done in remembrance of the different fallen heroes that took part in the liberation struggle of the country.

And in his homily, Zambia Army Chaplain, Mwape Mwaba, emphasised the importance of Independence Day stating that the freedom being enjoyed came at a great cost.

“Guest of honour, this freedom that we have today as a nation, came at a great cost and it cannot be taken for granted because the struggle for freedom was recognized by bloodshed and loss of life as well as property,” he said.

Rev Mwaba explained that this year’s theme is a reminder to everyone to reflect on the country’s common history in the last 61 years, adding that there was need to remain determined and resilient.

He stated that unity will help in not only building a peaceful, but also a prosperous nation.

Rev Mwaba disclosed that the fight for freedom by the gallant soldiers has ensured that citizens in the country continue to enjoy peace.

“With gratitude, we continue to honour our fallen heroes for the patriotism and loyalty to mother Zambia which yielded the peace and unity we are enjoying today,” he said.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations are being commemorated under the theme “61 years of peace and unity, building a resilient and peaceful nation”.