Acting Republican President Edgar Lungu today led hundreds of patriotic Zambians and former Republican Presidents at the freedom statue in laying wreaths in remembrance of all fallen heroes.

Mr. Lungu who first layed the wreath at the Statue later saw First republican president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda to lay his wreath followed by his fourth republican counterpart, Rupiah Banda.

Defense Chiefs and diplomatic followed in laying their respective wreaths in remembrance of the departed heroes and heroines who fought for Zambia’s independence struggle.

Mr. Lungu was given a 21 gun salute mounted by Zambia Army Second battalion.

The Acting President who arrived at the Freedom square at 08-40 hours local time was greeted to a thunderous welcome.

Zambia National Service (ZNS) Director of Chaplaincy Henry Matifeyo quoting from Isaiah 61:1 – 4 urged the Zambian people to restore human dignity by loving, respecting and uniting together for a common goal.

Lieutenant Colonel Matifeyo further urged the Zambian people to be patriotic in the jubilee year in line with the 2014 theme; Commemorating God’s favour of Zambia’s 50 years of independence for continued peace, unity, democracy, patriotism and prosperity”.

Zambia attained independence from British government on 24th October, 1964. She has turned 50 years today.

Chief Government Spokesperson Joseph Katema said he was happy that most of the opposition political leaders attended the jubilee celebrations.

Opposition MMD leader Dr. Nevers Mumba, All People’s Congress (APC) leader Nason Msoni, Mike Mulongoti (People’s Party) Peter Simpemba (Green Party), Edith Nawakwi (FDD) and Cosmo Mumba of the National Revolution Party were among the notable opposition figures at the event.

Dr. Katema thanked the leaders for their bold and wise decision to join hands and celebrating with Government.

And speaking in a separate interview, MMD leader Dr. Nevers Mumba and his APC counterpart Nason Msoni condemned UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for staying away from the national event as it was only for the ruling PF party but for the entire Zambian people from all walks of life.

Meanwhile, Acting President Edgar Lungu later in the afternoon proceeded to the heroes stadium to watch different performances performed by the ZNS and Chinese artists among others.

The uhuru commemorations were witnessed by 26 visiting leaders among them former South African president Thabo Mbeki and Botswana’s Festus Mogae.

The jubilee celebrations were characterized by most Zambians lad in the Zambian flag in different styles.

President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has sent his heartfelt congratulations on the anniversary of the National Day as Zambia celebrates it Golden Jubilee.

In his message to President Sata transmitted to the Embassy in Lusaka, President Sisi has also confirmed Egypt’s keenness on promoting cooperation and developing the brotherly relations between the two countries.

He has wished the Zambians the best of health, happiness and evermore progress and prosperity.

And Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Ragai Tawfik Nasr said he is happy that an Egyptian dance troupe, the Tannoura is part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. He said bilateral cultural relations between Egypt and Zambia have always been strong and well established.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Zambia H.E. Michael Chilufya Sata and the people of Zambia on the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.

In a statement made available to the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC, Ambassador Kerry, said the USA will continue to work closely with Zambia to strengthen democracy, support human rights, spur economic growth, and improve the health and education of the Zambian people.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Zambia on the 50th anniversary of your independence on October 24. Fifty years ago, when your country was born, thousands of Zambians took to the streets shouting Kwacha – the dawn. Today, Zambia’s dawn and the promise of peace and democracy has become a reality.” Ambassador Kerry said.

He added that Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield is in Zambia representing America and pay tribute to the country’s inspiring record.

Ambassador Kerry noted that time and time again, Zambians have stood up, voted, and let leadership change hands peacefully.

He said Zambia and the USA are united in mutual respect and responsibility for universal values adding that President Obama was pleased to welcome Vice President Guy Scott to the African Leaders’ Summit in August, where they discussed many important issues during this transformative moment for Africa.

Ambassador Kerry observed that as Zambia celebrates its independence, the United States stands with her as a partner and friend.

The Republic of Zambia
Office of the Fourth Republican President

Press Release

His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, has said Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary is time for all the citizens to dream new dreams and embrace each other.

The former head of state has also called on God’s blessings on His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, the President of the Republic of Zambia, as Zambia’s commemorates her Golden Jubilee.

In his message on the eve of Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary, President Banda says now is the time for all Zambians to forgive each other as brothers and sisters regardless of origin, language, culture, religion or political affiliation.

“We are, before God, all one people, strong and free. This Jubilee time is the time to dream new dreams, embrace new hopes, and stand as one people,” counselled President Banda.

He said Zambians should look back at the past 50 years with gratitude, happiness and joy, and be grateful for the many men and women who have selflessly sacrificed and dedicated their lives to the cause of liberation, freedom, justice and common good.

“At 50, we look back but also forward. The vision of the liberation struggle has been achieved. It is past us now. But the vision for the future lies with us as we are at this threshold.

“As your past servant of this great country, I pray for all Zambian people and all who love us and celebrate with us that the blessings of our almighty God come upon our beloved President, our leaders from opposition political parties, our Government, civic leaders and all Zambians,” he said.

He hoped that the joy and warmth that characterise the Zambian people would continue and that Zambia’s unity would continue being a beacon of hope for more blessings to come

Issued by:Kennedy Limwanya
DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) has joined in commemorating the event in different ways with special prayers dedicated to President Michael Sata.

National Co-ordinator Jenny Maila has for this reason urged women in the country to pray for President Sata’s quickest recovery.

Sister Maila also observed that women can contribute to Zambia politically if they changed their mindset.

She was speaking in Lusaka during the DMI Women Federation on the sidelines of the 50th independence jubilee celebrations.

Sr. Maila thanked First republican president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and other gallant freedom fighters for his immense contribution to liberate Zambia from the colonial rule leading to attaining the country’s independence.

And speaking at the same function, DMI Secretary General Mary Tembo is happy that DMI was expanding across Zambia.

Ms. Tembo urged women not to relent but to continue from where the fore-fathers and mothers left politically especially bringing food on the table for their families.

October 24th, 1964 is when Zambia became independent.