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Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda has been put to rest in Lusaka at embassy Park, after 21 days of national mourning.
Speaking at embassy Park, Dr Kaunda’s Family representative Siyanga Shimabale commended President Lungu and government for according the late first republican president, a state funeral.
Mr Shimabale expressed gratitude towards government’s timely involvement which had reduced the burden for the family making it easier to contain.
Mr Shimabale stated that the Kaunda family was greatly humbled by the spontaneous demonstration of love by Zambians and people from outside that mourned with them.
“We are grateful to you and the government for according the first republican President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda a state funeral, the Kaunda family is most grateful for according our father a befitting send off,” he said.
He added that the love demonstrated during the mourning period was what Dr Kaunda abundantly shared with all Zambians with everything he did and said.
“Here in Zambia, whichever provincial center the coffin was taken, people expressed sorrow, the church was there to console, people dropped tears involuntarily, they stood by the roadside in attar and disbelief,” he said.
Meanwhile, Late Dr Kaunda’s great grandchildren wish to see their great grandfather’s legacy live on and be shared with everyone.
Frederick Mbuvi, one of the 29 great grandchildren told ZANIS in an interview that his great grandfather will be missed because he was the glue of the family and the nation at large.
Mr Mbuvi said Dr Kaunda shared love, peace, and unity with everyone despite their nature or colour.
“Shikulu treated everyone the same, he never regarded tribes or race and he shared his love with everyone he met,” he added.
And Tiyezye Kaunda who is also a great granddaughter stated that Dr Kaunda, made sure that all family members knew each other including the extended family as well as those living abroad.
President Edgar Lungu, First lady Esther Lungu , former Mozambique president Joaquim Chissano, leaders of political parties and other local and international delegates attended the burial of Dr Kaunda at embassy park this afternoon.
After 21 days of mourning, KK finally took his rest alone at Embassy Park. Whereas the government’s will prevailed, the solemn ceremony left KK’s family heartbroken and aggrieved. He wished to be buried next to his beloved and lifelong wife, Mama Betty Kaunda. Is he going to roam in loneliness forever?
It is so saddening to watch the fight between the government and KK’s family over his body. This is yet another indication of political ineptitude–we don’t have protocols in place. We are reactive; we act as situations avail themselves. There is no standing protocol as to what is involved in high profile funerals at all– everything depends on the President. It shouldn’t be; we should do better.
President Lungu was surely aware of the state of KK’s health long before his demise, and had enough time to speak to him about his wishes and the government’s policy. Similarly, his children had many opportunities to share their father’s wishes with President Lungu. Moreover, one wonders how they could fail to settle their differences in three weeks to an extent that the family and the government have to face-off in public.
The major issue of contestation was whether KK’s body naturally appertained to his family or to the Republic of Zambia, and whose will should be upheld. As President, the government claimed KK as a national trophy–thus his body belonged to the State. As the State trophy, the family didn’t bear any costs related to his upkeep, medicals, and burial. Whereas the State could consult with the family, the family could not necessarily determine where KK should be buried. Since Embassy Park was established as a burial place for heads of State, KK was to be buried there. (This is in line with the burials of chiefs, bishops etc. personal wills are superseded by the office one holds.) The question is, could one opt out? The case of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe may be informative. It is not by law, but by declaration that one is buried at the National Heroes Acre. In that case, Mugabe was declared a National hero. Long before his death, however, Mugabe made it clear he didn’t want to be buried there. Upon his demise, he was buried at his village. Is Embassy Park set in stone for Zambian Presidents?
But there is a KK, the family man–the family trophy. He is a father, grandfather, great grandfather and an ancestor whose personal wishes should be honored. How could he rest aside from his wife and how could his family visit with him in loneliness? From a family perspective, this feeling is surely nobel. After all, the big man wanted to be buried next to his wife for this very reason–the two were always together in life and should be in death. It is on this basis that his family sought an injunction to stop his burial at Embassy Park–which unfortunately was denied. Mr. Tilyenji Kaunda reportedly said his father will be buried twice–first at Embassy Park, and then at State Lodge. This is highly unlikely.
But I think there is a middle way which we should consider. Why not bring Mama Betty Kaunda to Embassy Park out of respect to Dr. Kaunda? Mama Betty Kaunda is the unsung angel of the KK story. She deserves a special place in the history of Zambia. She was with KK in good and hard times. I believe Betty is the mother who made KK give up power in 1991, retire from politics and dedicate the rest of his life to serve humanity. And when KK went on hunger strike in prison during the Chiluba regime, Mama Betty forced him to eat when she told him she would stop taking her diabetes medication. Betty was KK’s life. At her funeral, KK collapsed and he was never the same again. With due respect to all First Ladies, Betty Kaunda is the most irreproachable, traditional, humble, compassionate and apolitical mother of the nation Zambia has ever seen, whose honor nobody could hardly dispute.
President Lungu, please bring Mama BETTY KAUNDA to Embassy Park. KK is missing his Betty. He won’t rest in loneliness. Embassy Park needs a mother too!
The printing of presidential ballot papers for the August 12 elections has commenced in Dubai, United Arabs, whose process is expected to be completed over a period of one week.
This follows the verification and endorsement of print proofs by the ruling Patriotic Front and United National Party for National Development (UPND).
PF National Vice Chairperson Davis Chama signed on behalf of the ruling party and Ms Linda Nkonde, representing UPND signed on behalf of the opposition party.
The presidential ballot paper, which was first approved by the 16 political parties in Lusaka and then the two parties present in Dubai verify , will have 16 candidates on the ballot sheet making it the longest list of those aspiring to run for the presidency compared to the 2016 general elections which had nine candidates.
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Vice Chairperson Emily Sikazwe who commissioned the printing by way of signing off the ballot print sheet for the presidential candidates said the commission had received the approvals from all political parties in Zambia on the presidential ballot.
Dr Sikazwe commissions printing of presidentila ballot papers at Al Ghurair plant in Dubai
Dr Sikazwe said with the joining of the UPND representative together with PF, led the approval of the presidential ballot paper which was also endorsed by the commission.
And ECZ Commissioner, Retired General Vincet Mukanda said the commission had since made great strides in the production process of the ballots and that printing of presidential ballot papers according to the company will approximately take a week.
Meanwhile ECZ Director Electoral Operations Royd Kasonde disclosed that the commission in Dubai had finished the approval of mayoral, council chairpersons and parliamentary ballot papers and printing was underway.
Mr Katongo said out of the 156 parliamentary seats, only 40 constituencies were remaining whilst the printing of local government ballot papers would soon be completed as approval were almost all concluding.
And stakeholders in Dubai monitoring the printing of ballot papers have described the process as being transparent and have commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia in the manner they have handled the exercise.
PF Deputy National Chairperson Davis Chama said the party is pleased with the whole printing process as its expectations have been met.
Mr Chama speaking to journalists in an interview said it was important that suspicions surrounding the printing of the ballot papers are cleared and all stakeholders witness whatever is happening at the printing plant.
Mr Chama who is former defense minister stated the process must give confidence to the Zambian people so that the elections to held on August 12 are credible, and that the outcome should be accepted by participating candidates as opposed to raising suspicions.
“The expectation we have as PF is that the process is made transparent as possible and we remove all those suspicions that there is always something ECZ does. It is important that Zambians have confidence in the process and are given an election which is transparent.
“Losers must accept that they have lost and not start pointing fingers and accusing the commission that there have been some mischievous activities during the process,” Mr Chama said.
PF Deputy National Chairperson Davis Chama pending signature presidential ballot sheet in Dubai, UAE
The PF official indicated that the party was happy with the way ECZ has handled the process as it has been transparent as all stakeholders have witnessed the process of what happens in Dubai at Al Ghurair plant as the ballot papers are being printed.
“We are so far very happy with what has been happening and observed. The commission has been very transparent and ensured that all stakeholders are made to go through all the processes that take place here,” Mr Chama said.
Mr Chama expressed confidence that this year’s election would be as transparent and credible as possible.
The party official also expressed happiness that the opposition UPND party had sent a representative to observe the printing process of ballot papers so that nobody accuses the commission of wrongdoing.
Mr Chama observed that it was unfortunate of what had happened as all political party stakeholders were informed in good time to prepare for the trip by the commission, and would have not wanted a situation where the ruling party is accused of conniving with the ECZ to disadvantage others since they arrived earlier.
ECZ Vice Chairperson Emily Sikazwe showing ballot print sheet for presidential candidate before commencement of printing to stakeholders
UPND Representative Linda Nkonde pointed out that as a party the key thing was for transparency and access to the printing areas of the company.
Ms Nkonde who was briefed by the commission and undertook a tour of the plant said the party wants to be guaranteed of a free and fair elections on August 12th 2021 as the process was been undertaken.
The official also called for need to come together to collaborate and work with the Electoral Commission of Zambia for the good of the process and country.
In Al Ghurair plant with printed ballot papers for local government elections
Meanwhile the Non-Government Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) says it was happy that the civil society body was made to be part of the delegation observing and monitoring the printing of ballot papers in Dubai.
Executive Director Engwase Mwale said the organization which is representing civil society groups to monitor the process is pleased that engagement of stakeholders by ECZ shows how the commission values partnerships with CSOs and their input in the electoral process.
‘’the inclusion of civil society organization helps to harness the elections process and ensuring that we are part of this important democratic activity as Zambians, we commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia for including NGOCC as part of the Zambian delegation monitoring the printing of ballot papers for the August 12, 2021 elections,” Ms Mwale said.
Ms Mwale observed that the process was in line with expectations of the organization as all the 16 political parties were observing from both Zambia and those who managed to travel to Dubai.
“the process so far is inclusive and participatory as we understand that all the 16 participating political parties with candidates at presidential and other levels are involved in verifying and proofreading all ballot papers in Lusaka, at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) premises, before printing commences at the plant here in Dubai,” she observed.
UPND Representative Linda Nkonde appending signature on presidentila ballot paper
Ms Mwale said while Al Ghurair Printing Company contracted to print the papers was adequately resourced to undertake the assignment however called on the need to invest in the printing of ballot papers locally in Zambia.
“With the necessary investment and orientation of local expertise with regards to ballot printing, opportunities for Zambia remain great, it is NGOCC’s view that all political actors need to invest in the whole elections cycle by planning to observe all key electoral processes including the ballot printing. This will not only enhance the credibility of the elections but also ensure the acceptability of the election results,” she stated.
Veteran goalkeeper and 2012 AFCON champion Kennedy Mweene says Chipoloplo Zambia must ride the pressure and deliver performances in South Africa over the next week befitting the status of a defending COSAFA Cup champion.
Chipolopolo, who have failed to qualify to the AFCON three times, and also produced an unconvincing performance at 2021 CHAN in Cameroon where they made a humbling quarterfinal exit, battle to restore a sense of regional authority at the COSAFA Cup that South Africa is hosting from July 6-18.
“It is a special one because as you know we are defending champions and we have to show that we are the defending champions,” Mweene said.
“Some of us are used to playing under pressure, that is what a professional player needs to do and if you cannot play under pressure, then I don’t know what you are doing in football.
“We always find comfort where there is no comfort.”
Chipolopolo’s first act in returning to footballs comfort zone begins this Thursday in their opening 2021 COSAFA Cup Group A against Lesotho at the tournament venue in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Lesotho has already played one game after losing 3-1 to early Group A leaders eSwatini on July 6.
South Africa and Botswana are the other Group A teams.
Thursdays match will also mark the end of Mweene’s long self-imposed Zambia exile that stretches back to November 2018.
Southern Province Patriotic Front Presidential campaign manager Syacheye Madyenkuku says the recent conducted opinion poll that tipped President Edgar Lungu to win the August elections is just a tip of an iceberg.
Mr Madyenkuku said the outcome of the poll simply signifies the reflection of people’s aspirations on the ground
Mr Madyenkuku told ZANIS in Livingstone today that the party in the province is absolutely certain that people across the country will vote for the PF based on its proven track record.
He said the unprecedented levels of development that have been rolled out across the country gives the PF another mandate to continue looking after the affairs of the nation.
Mr Madyenkuku predicted that the PF will still carry the day should any organisation still carry out an opinion poll.
He said for the first time the PF will usher representatives in most of constituencies at Local Government levels.
Visiting former Given Lubinda and guy Scott at the Funeral Service
has left the country.
Mr Chissano departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 16:02 hours this afternoon aboard a chartered plane enroute to Mozambique.
Mr Chissano arrived in the country this morning to attend the funeral service of the late former republican president Kenneth Kaunda which was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross as well as burial which took place at Embassy Park.
Mr Chissano was seen off by State House members of staff.
Zambia and Mozambique have enjoyed strong bilateral relations with both counties having extended cooperation in key economic sectors.
President Edgar Lungu has declared April 28, the birth date of the late first Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda, a public holiday in his honour.
During Dr. Kaunda’s state funeral service and burial ceremony service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka today, President Lungu described the late Dr Kaunda as an epitome of selfless service and patriotism.
The Head of State said Dr. Kaunda strongly believed in hard work and discipline.
“Dr. Kaunda was indeed a true champion of love and unity. I can only urge each and every one of us to emulate his character and good works,” President Lungu said.
And the Head of State said the country will always uphold the motto of One Zambia One Nation in everything.
“This motto should be an embodiment of who we are as a people of this great nation,” he said.
The President added, ” We are a united people despite our many tribes, dialect and heritage and nothing and nobody should divide us and that is where we are going from now and forever to honour Dr. Kaunda’s legacy.”
President Lungu also called on Zambians to remain patriotic and embrace love.
“We should all love our country Zambia, despising the country is not patriotism. Patriotism means speaking well of the country and by doing so, we will make Zambia a better nation,” President Lungu said.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State emphasized that the life of the late Dr. Kaunda will always be part of the country’s history.
President Lungu also urged the family and the nation to continue living in peace and harmony and upholding the legacy of the late president.
And United Nation Independence Party (UNIP) President Trevor Mwamba described late Dr. Kaunda as a great statesman of the country.
Bishop Mwamba said the country’s founding father was a man of good moral force and a peace maker.
He added that by being a passionate Pan Africanist, Zambia’s first Republican President supported the liberation movement of countries in the African region.
Bishop Mwamba stated that Dr. Kaunda revealed himself as a selfless leader who was concerned with the wellbeing of the Zambian people.
“The late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda saw us as God’s children irrespective of religion, gender and colour. This is what made him a great soul,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Church of Zambia (ECZ) Synod Bishop, Bishop Reverend Sydney Sichilima said during the homily that the late Dr. Kaunda has gone a hero.
Bishop Sichilima noted that the first Republican President contributed a lot to the wellbeing of not only Zambia but also the African region and beyond.
“If we continue to fear and love God like the late Dr. Kaunda did, the country will never experience crime or violence. People will continue to love one another as a legacy left by Dr. Kaunda,” Bishop Sichilima stated.
The UCZ Synod Bishop added that the late president touched a lot of lives through the sacrifices he made as he fought for peace and unity for the nation.
Meanwhile Dr. Kaunda’s first born son Panji Kaunda said that today is not a day to mourn but to celebrate the life of his late father with laughter and peace.
Retired Colonel Kaunda said his father was a symbol of peace hence the reason why the nation has not reported any acts of violence since his demise.
“Since he died, there has been less violence, people have calmed down, and they are at peace. From now onwards, we move together as one Zambia one Nation,” he said.
Rtd. Col. Kaunda also urged all political party leaders to counsel their supporters against violence and encourage them to embrace peace and unity.
He further assured the Head of State and the nation that his family is mourning as one and remains united adding that there are no divisions among them.
Former Mozambiquan President Joakim Chisano, Zambia’s Fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda, former Vice President Guy Scott, senior government officials, freedom fighters and leaders of the opposition parties were among other dignitaries that attended the ceremony.
Dr. Kaunda died on June 17, 2021 at Maina Soko Medical Centre after an illness.
He leaves behind 9 children, forty grandchildren and twenty nine great grandchildren.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has announced that 15 local government candidates who applied to stand in the August 12, 2021 general and presidential elections as ward councilors have gone through unopposed.
And the commission says fresh nominations for four parliamentary seats which were affected by resignation and deaths will take place on July 12, 2021.
The affected constituencies include Kasenengwa in Eastern province, Lusaka Central, Chawama and Mandevu in Lusaka provinces.
ZANIS reports that ECZ Counsel Bob Musenga disclosed during a media briefing in Dubai today that two of the incidents under the parliamentary seats involved the resignation of candidates and the two were deaths.
Mr. Musenga stated that as in line with provisions of the law, it is mandatory that the commission holds fresh nominations which will take place on July 12, 2021 as this will be before the August 12 polls.
He disclosed that the commission will also hold fresh nominations in four wards that were affected by deaths and resignations namely Matanda ward in Kafue constituency, Mushili in Bwana Mukubwa constituency, Kabwale in Kapiri Mposhi and Ichinga in Chinsali constituencies.
The commission named some of the local government seats which have gone unopposed amongst the 15 as being Itumbwe in Keembe constituency, Chiniki in Mkushi South, Kabansa in Machinga and Nakambala in Mazabuka central.
An Indian based Youth organization has pledged 51 fully funded scholarships for the Zambian youths in honor of Zambia’s first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.
Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) Ambassador Series Chairperson Himadrish Suwan said the youths in India are mourning with the government and the people of Zambia following the sad demise of Dr. Kaunda.
This came to light when Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga presented a virtual lecture to the Indian academia on Actualizing Natural Convergences between Zambia and India organized by Zambia High Commission in India and Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) Ambassador Series.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS by First Secretary for Press and Tourism at Zambia High Commission in India Bangwe Naviley in Lusaka today.
And Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga praised Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) Ambassador Series for the 51 scholarships in honour of the late president.
“Dr. Kaunda was a Gandhian Student who got inspiration from India’s Founding Father Mahatma Gandhi to embark on a non-violent movement which saw the independence of the Republic of Zambia from the British on October 24, 1964 and he was the First Republican President,” Mrs. Kapijimpanga said.
She said Dr. Kaunda valued Zambia’s relations and friendship with India as evidenced by his visits to India which accounted for 10 times during his Presidency.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga said that the current President Edgar Lungu was following the steps of Dr. Kaunda as he is the first President to visit India in 16 years in a State Visit executed in August 2019.
She said in April 2018, President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind was the first to visit Zambia after a span of 30 years.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga said Zambia had built fly over bridges and expanded existing roads under the Decongestion of Lusaka Roads Project under an EXIM Bank of India Line of Credit.
She also said Zambia was also building 650 health posts Project under an EXIM Bank of India Line of Credit.
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda died on Wednesday June 17, 2021 at Mina Soko Military hospital.
The United States of America (USA) has pledged to contribute 165,600 doses of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to the Zambian government through the COVAX facility.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Malama disclosed that the United States government has confirmed their contribution of 165,600 doses of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility.
He noted that the consignment of the COVID-19 vaccines will be in the country within the month of July 2021.
Dr Malama noted an improvement in the availability of vaccines in the third and fourth quarter of this year and hence urged members of the public not panic as the government remains committed to ensuring that all the entire eligible population have access to the vaccines.
He has, however, said that the government will commence the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine this Friday July 9, 2021.
“Contrary to some reports on social media, I wish to advise that we have not commenced Dose 1 administration of the vaccine as yet, the date for the commencement of Dose 1 has been set for this Friday, 9th July, 2021,’’he noted.
Dr Malama further disclosed that 2,354 second doses of AstraZeneca vaccinations have been administered bringing the cumulative number of the vaccinations to date to stand at 142,198.
‘’AstraZeneca dose one vaccinations 135,299 and 6,899 Sinopharm and of these, 27,724 have gone on to receive dose 2 vaccinations, with 21,388 dose 2 AstraZeneca of those that received dose 1 and 6,336 dose 2 Sinopharm of those that received dose 1,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours the country has recorded 1,871 new confirmed COVID-19 cases out of 7,635 tests conducted bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to date to stand at 169,003. Fifty nine deaths were recorded bringing the cumulative number of deaths to date to stand at 2,618.
Dr Malama further disclosed that the Africa Centers for Disease control and Prevention will recruit 2500 community workers who will beef up community responses to fight against the spread of the virus at community level.
‘’Risk communication and community engagement is a key pillar to response, more so in light of our crusade to take the fight from the hospitals to the communities,’’ he stressed.
‘’This equips members of the public with the correct knowledge to protect themselves against COVID-19 infection, shared through community outreach, television, radio and social media,’’ said Dr Malama.
He disclosed that efforts meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 have continued to be frustrated by some bar owners who are locking patrons in poorly ventilated premises to avoid being inspected and shut down.
‘’During our patrols this long weekend, we found a number of drinking premises reopening despite being directed to not operate, our Lusaka operation alone closed down 28 premises, including 6 nightclubs and 16 bars,’’ said Dr Malama.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama.
Lusaka High Court Judge Wilfred Kopa Muma has rejected an application by Kaweche Kaunda to have the body of Zambia’s founding President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda to be buried at State Lodge instead of a designated official burial place for Heads of State.
Delivering a judgement in which Kaweche had sued the Secretary to Cabinet to compel government to hand over the body of Dr. Kaunda and be buried at State Lodge,Judge Muma said the case required that public interest was given consideration as it overrides personal or family interests.
Judge Mumba said he sympathized with some family members that wanted this matter to transpose it to a private or family funeral.
He said Dr. Kaunda was not an ordinary man.
Judge Muma said there was no arguable case fit for consideration at substantive hearing.
Dr Kaunda has since been buried at an embassy party in a colourful ceremony that has just concluded.
The Memorial Service and Burial Programme for the late First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Zambia’s Founding President, His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Buchizya Kaunda is underway here at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.
In attendance are; His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu accompanied by the First Lady, Mama Esther Lungu, former President, His Excellency Rupiah Bwezani Banda, former Vice President, Dr. Guy Scott and the Kaunda family.
Opposition leaders led by Hakainde Hichilema and Felix Mutati are also in attendance.
Late Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s first Son Panji Kaunda at his Father’s Funeral ServiceZambia ‘s Ambassador to Ethiopia Emmanuel Mwamba attending the Funeral ServiceUPND President Hakainde Hichilema together with Felix Mutati attending the Funeral Service of Dr Kaunda
President Lungu meeting Former Rebublican President Rupiah Banda at the Funeral Service of Dr Kenneth Kaunda
