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The United National Independence Party (UNIP) says the legacy of the late Former UNIP President and Zambia’s First Head of State Kenneth Kaunda will still live on long after he is gone.
And UNIP President, Trevor Mwamba, says every Zambian is a beneficiary of the visionary leadership that Dr Kaunda rendered to the country in Education, health among other sectors.
Bishop Mwamba says Dr Kaunda as a Pan Africanist, supported the liberation movements of countries under colonial and apartheid oppression in Africa, even though this action came at a great human and economic cost to the country, through sanctions and military attacks on the country.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, by UNIP President Trevor Mwamba.
Bishop Mwamba remembered the former president as a selfless leader and servant with concern for the well-being of the people and whose principals were acknowledged by the African Union (AU) when they honored him with a Special award on May 25th, 2021, for the role he played in the liberation of Africa and its people.
“Dr. Kaunda was a charismatic and wise leader whose leadership influenced the resolutions of International Organizations like the Southern African Development Community SADC, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth and the United Nations (UN),” Bishop Mwamba stated.
Bishop Mwamba also remembered Dr. Kaunda as a strong believer in God, which defined his character as portrayed in his book Zambia :shall be free and always made reference to the book “In tune with the Infinite ”, a book he always carried on any trip he took.
“In tune with the Infinite shows how his life was inspired by God in his engagement with life whether as a guitarist, pianist, singer, writer, footballer, poet, dancer, family man” he said.
He has called on Zambians to use Dr. Kaunda’s death to rededicate themselves and be in tune with the infinite and preserve his legacy that respected God and the sanctity of every person irrespective of color, creed, gender, tribe or nationality, as summed up in the philosophy of humanism, the spirit of ubuntu.
President Edgar Lungu is saddened by the death of nineteen people who perished in a road accident in Mungwi District. President Lungu said the nation has lost vibrant men and women who could have contributed to the country’s socio-economic development.
President Lungu said this in a message of condolences delivered by Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Royd Chakaba during a mass burial for the accident victims.
And Mr Chakaba has appealed to mobile market traders to be cautious of their safety as they travel to various places to conduct their business.
“The government is concerned with the mode of transport used by the traders which compromises their safety,” he said.
Mr. Chakaba said accidents involving mobile market traders have been common due to the unsafe transport used.
Mass Burial of the 19 Accident Victims
Earlier, Northern Province Mobile Market Traders Association Chairperson, Brandon Mwambazi thanked the government for meeting all the funeral expenses.
Mass Burial of the 19 Accident Victims
Nineteen mobile market operators locally known as ‘Munada’ traders died after the truck they were traveling in overturned and plunged into Chambeshi River in Mungwi District. Regional Police Commissioner Jestus Nsokolo said in an interview among the deceased includes fifteen men and three women.
“ The accident happened around 21:30 hours at Kalikeka village in Mungwi District involving a Benz Atego Truck registration number ACV 501 which was carrying fifty seven passengers and driven by Lewis Mutale believed to be a Kasama resident.
“ Five victims are nursing serious injuries and are admitted to Kasama General Hospital while 21 others escaped unhurt, “ said Mr Nsokolo.
He further disclosed that bodies of the deceased have been deposited to Kasama General Hospital mortuary where health officials and relatives are conducting the identification.
He attributed the accident to over-speeding and over-loading adding that the driver is currently on the run.
Mr Nsokolo has since urged transporters to strictly abide by traffic regulations to avoid accidents.
And Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba described the accident as tragic saying government is saddened by the loss of 19 lives.
Disclosing that government will take charge all the funeral expenses, Mr Chakaba has since wished the bereaved families God’s strength during the period of mourning.
The United National Independence Party (UNIP) says the legacy of the late Former UNIP President and Zambia’s First Head of State Kenneth Kaunda will still live on long after he is gone.
And UNIP President, Trevor Mwamba, says every Zambian is a beneficiary of the visionary leadership that Dr Kaunda rendered to the country in Education, health among other sectors.
Bishop Mwamba says Dr Kaunda as a Pan Africanist, supported the liberation movements of countries under colonial and apartheid oppression in Africa, even though this action came at a great human and economic cost to the country, through sanctions and military attacks on the country.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, by UNIP President Trevor Mwamba.
Bishop Mwamba remembered the former president as a selfless leader and servant with concern for the well-being of the people and whose principals were acknowledged by the African Union (AU) when they honored him with a Special award on May 25th, 2021, for the role he played in the liberation of Africa and its people.
“Dr. Kaunda was a charismatic and wise leader whose leadership influenced the resolutions of International Organizations like the Southern African Development Community SADC, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth and the United Nations (UN),” Bishop Mwamba stated.
Bishop Mwamba also remembered Dr. Kaunda as a strong believer in God, which defined his character as portrayed in his book Zambia :shall be free and always made reference to the book “In tune with the Infinite ”, a book he always carried on any trip he took.
“In tune with the Infinite shows how his life was inspired by God in his engagement with life whether as a guitarist, pianist, singer, writer, footballer, poet, dancer, family man” he said.
He has called on Zambians to use Dr. Kaunda’s death to rededicate themselves and be in tune with the infinite and preserve his legacy that respected God and the sanctity of every person irrespective of color, creed, gender, tribe or nationality, as summed up in the philosophy of humanism, the spirit of ubuntu.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has disclosed that between January and May 2021 government’s total revenues and grants amounted to K40.1 billion, indicating an impressive 43 percent above the projection of K28.03 billion for the period of the total collection.
In a statement, Mr Yamba said that of the 40.1 Billion, K39.03 billion consisted of domestic revenues while resources amounting to K582.2 million came from Cooperating Partners.
He said the government also accessed financing worth K7 billion, and resources amounting K582.2 million from Cooperating Partners. Mr Yamba further announced that the government released a total of K49.7 billion for developmental programmes and public service delivery for the same period. He added that the release of funds to recipient Ministries, Provinces, and Agencies came against a backdrop of competing demands.
Mr Yamba noted that global economic downturn, triggered by the impact of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, have been the biggest disrupters to the economy, livelihoods of citizens, and local production chains. He said despite the challenges, the Government is resolved to remain on course with the economic reform programme. He stated that the performance was driven by factors among them Tax Revenue Performance that amounted to K26.5 Billion in the period under review, representing a performance rate above target that was approved by Parliament for the 2021 Budget.
“This was mainly driven by positive performance of Income Tax, VAT, Customs and Excise duties, and Insurance Premium,” he said. “Of the K26.5 billion tax revenue collection, income tax was K15.1 billion, representing 36 percent above target performance,”.
“This was mainly driven by increased provisional declaration and payments made during the period under review by some mining companies,” Mr Yamba said.
He added that VAT collection was K7.6 billion, and was above target by 13 percent as a result of increased volumes and value of imports, mainly in the mining sector.
Mr Yamba stated that this is a good sign on the future of the sector, further saying that Customs and Excise Duty collections totaled K3.7 billion, representing an over-performed of 4 percent.
He explained that this was attributed to increase in importation of mining machinery and consumables such as spare parts.
“During the period under review, Insurance Premium was K72.9 million, representing a surplus of 30 percent. This was on account of strict compliance-enforcement activities,” he explained.
He said in the tax revenue category, export duties under performed by 61 percent due to reduced exports of taxable products. Through relevant structures, the Government will continue to observe the situation and to frequently monitor the impact of Covid-19 on the domestic economy.
“Appropriate fiscal and non-fiscal measures will be implemented as the situation dictates, to improve performance, further adding that non-Tax Revenue Performance Collections from non-tax revenue amounted to K13 billion. This represents an over performance of 132 percent.
“The good performance is attributed to the roll-out of electronic payment solutions under the Government Service Bus (GSB) Project, a dividend payment received from the Bank of Zambia, over collection by Ministries Provinces and Agencies (MPA’s), and good performance in road tolls (collected by the National Road Fund Agency) and Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) collections.
“In addition to the foregoing, mineral royalty collections recorded a surplus of 100 percent. This is on account of, among other factors; increasing copper prices and production levels,” he said.
He noted that over the period under review, the Treasury accessed financing worth K7 billion, mainly from the domestic market.
“During the period under review, the Government released a total of K49.7 billion to finance public service delivery, of the total expenditure, K45.6 billion was financed from domestic resources while K4.1 billion was foreign-financed.
“Social benefits releases under this category amounted to K1 billion, representing 2 percent of total expenditure, and 2.3 percent above the social benefits target,” he said.
“This is mainly attributed to the release of K217 million for the pension fund financing gap against a projection of K140
million,”.
He further added that K786 million was released for the Social Cash Transfer Programme.
Zamtel and Mastercard have today announced a strategic partnership that will enable Zamtel Mobile Money customers – even those without bank accounts – to make safe and seamless digital payments on the Mastercard network including international e-commerce transactions.
This is expected to drive financial inclusion and improve access to the digital economy.
Under the agreement, Zamtel will launch a suite of Mastercard products including a Mastercard virtual solution, a physical debit card, and Mastercard QR, giving its Mobile Money customers new ways to access and pay for products and services at the millions of merchants that accept Mastercard in Zambia and abroad.
With a Mastercard virtual (non-plastic) payment solution linked to Zamtel Mobile Money wallets, consumers and small businesses can make payments to local and global online brands and merchants, expanding their reach to an international online marketplace.
This means e-commerce transactions can be done instantly through mobile wallets for a wide variety of payments including for travel, entertainment subscription services and bill payments, while ensuring that the customer’s financial data is always secure and private.
For in-person payments, Zamtel Mobile Money customers will obtain a physical Mastercard debit card linked to their Zamtel Mobile Money wallet, which they can use to withdraw money from ATMs and pay at point of sale for goods, services and settle their bills.
Customers will also have access to Mastercard QR, an interoperable payment solution that will enable them to make face-to-face payments at outlets by scanning the Mastercard QR code displayed at checkout or by entering a merchant identifier.
“We are very excited about this partnership with Mastercard, which is another step in realizing our ambition to become a digital lifestyle partner of choice. With access to Mastercard’s unrivalled network of merchants, this partnership instantly increases the ecosystem of locations where our mobile wallet can be used, bringing greater convenience, more choice, and an enhanced user experience for our customers,” said Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Sydney Mupeta.
Following double-digit growth in 2020, GSMA’s latest data reports over half a billion mobile money accounts in Africa – close to half of the global total. Customers are using their accounts for new and more advanced use cases – including m-commerce – suggesting that more people are moving away from the margins of financial systems and leading increasingly digital lives.
Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President for Market Development, Mastercard Middle East and Africa, said: “As more consumers embrace online and digital experiences, new digital payment partnerships are evolving, which are transformative for the growth of economies. We are pleased to advance our digital partnerships strategy in MEA with Zamtel, as we support their digital transformation and bring more seamless payment experiences to their customers. Telcos play a critical role in enabling the digital economy and hence are a critical partner for us to drive the financial inclusion agenda forward.”
President Edgar Lungu has encouraged Zambians to emulate the life of the late second president Fredrick Chiluba who worked towards making Zambia a prosperous country.
President Lungu said as the country remembers and celebrates the life of the late Dr. Chiluba, there is need to emulate him for a Zambia that has equal opportunities for everyone and a country that is peaceful and united in diversity.
The Head of State said this in a speech read on his behalf by Vice President Inonge Wina during the tenth-anniversary memorial service in honour of the late president Chiluba at Embassy Park in Lusaka today.
He has since urged the younger generation to learn lessons from the hard work and commitment that the late Dr. Chiluba dedicated to the service of the country.
President Lungu said the nation will continue to honour the legacy of Dr. Chiluba, who was a charismatic former trade unionist and inspirational political champion of the land.
“As a nation, we shall forever remain eternally grateful for his contribution to the nation,” he said.
The Head of State added that the late Dr. Chiluba firmly believed that embracing Christian values was vital in national development.
He added that the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation paved the way for the participation of many faith-based organisations in the country.
President Lungu explained that to date, Zambia prides itself as being the first amongst equals in pioneering the policy of inclusiveness in religious practice.
The late Dr. Chiluba was born on April 30, 1943 and died on June 18th, 2011.
He ruled Zambia for ten years from 1991, when his Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) won the general election by 83 percent, to 2001.
He took over power for United National Independence Party’s (UNIP) Kenneth Kaunda, who had ruled Zambia for 27 years.
FORMER Cabinet, Peter Machungwa(left) confers Darlington Chiluba(m)a and former Press aide, Richard Sakala during the 2nd memorial lecture in honour of late republican president Dr. Titus Chiluba in Lusaka
The South African government has declared 10 days of national mourning in honour of late Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda, who died yesterday at Maina Soko Military hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
In a statement to the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria South Africa last evening, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said all flags in his country will fly at half-mast to pay tribute to the fallen leader.
President Ramaposa said South Africa was united with the Zambian people and the Kaunda family during this time of sadness and mourning.
He noted that not only did Dr. Kaunda dedicate his 97 long years to the liberation and service of the people of Zambia, but that he had an unwavering desire for the achievement of South Africa’s freedom and stood with that country during its greatest time of need.
“He devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around our region in their quest for independence and freedom. Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth,” President Ramaphosa said.
He added that it was in honour of this remarkable contribution that the South African government bestowed on the late president Kaunda the ‘Order of the Companions of OR Tambo’ in 2002.
President Ramaphosa further commended the late Dr. Kaunda for being a pioneering champion of a decolonised, united and prosperous Africa who represented his country and continent with distinction on global platforms.
“Today, we recommit ourselves to building the Africa of KK’s vision-an Africa of peace, justice, prosperity and innovation, today, we place ourselves alongside Kenneth Kaunda’s family and the Zambian nation as they mourn this deep loss,” President Ramaphosa said.
“As the South African nation, we will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe to President Kaunda,” he said.
And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Jackson Miti has thanked President Ramaphosa for the 10 days national mourning.
Major General Miti described the gesture as a humbling gesture to the people of Zambia and the family of the late Dr. Kaunda.
Meanwhile, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) group of Ambassadors in Brazil, has described the late Dr. Kaunda as a true liberation icon and selfless leader who sacrificed for the peace and security which the region is enjoying today.
The group, that included ambassadors from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana, made the remarks at a virtual monthly meeting in Brasilia.
The meeting was chaired by group Chairperson Gamiliel Mungwambe of Mozambique.
The ambassadors said they have learnt with sadness the death of Dr. Kaunda, noting that Africa will live to remember and cherish his immense contribution to the freedom and stability of the continent.
Ambassador Mungwambe further described the death of Dr. Kaunda as a great loss to Africa as he was a gallant leader who played a pivotal role in liberating the SADC region and coordinated all efforts of states to value its freedom.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Alfreda Mwamba has described the late Dr. Kaunda as a great leader who worked tirelessly to free Africa from colonial rule.
Dr. Mwamba said Dr. Kaunda had run a good race and his labour and sacrifice for Zambia, the entire SADC region and Africa remain a legacy in world history.
The SADC Ambassadors in Brasilia are expected to visit the Zambian Chancery to sign a book of condolences in honour of the late Dr. Kaunda who died at the age of 97 yesterday.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is shaken by the death of Zambia’s founding father Kenneth Kaunda, who died on June 17, 2021 in Lusaka’s Maina Soko military hospital.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the entire country is shaken and the association has been hardly hit by the deaths of both Dr. Kaunda and former FAZ president Evaristo Kasunga, who also died on the same day.
Kamanga said the association joins the rest of the country and the continent in mourning Dr. Kaunda whom he described as incomparable as his personality transcended continental borders.
He said Dr. Kaunda was a revered patron of the Zambia national football team that was christened the KK-11 in his honour.
“He was an ardent supporter of the game not only from the stands but occasionally took to the pitch to demonstrate his passion. We remain with fond memories of him either kick-starting a sport event or officiating a match, such was his personality and we mourn his demise,” he said.
He added that the football community will honour Dr. Kaunda’s memory at matches with moments of silence and wearing black armbands and there would be no celebration of any activity including goals scored.
Kamanga also paid tribute to Kasunga who served as FAZ president from 2000-2004.
He said the former FAZ president lived and breathed football and was one of the leaders that laid a strong foundation for the eventual Africa Cup of Nations.
He added that FAZ would continue to learn from Kasunga’s example of building from the bottom towards future success as his strong grassroots programme birthed some of the stars that took Zambia to the pinnacle of the African game.
Kasunga, who was until his death, serving as a diplomat at the Zambian mission in Canada also served as chairman for Lusaka Tigers football club.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala.
President Edgar Lungu has called on political players to emulate the late First President Kenneth Kaunda in upholding peace and unity especially ahead of the polls this year.
President Lungu recalled how late President Kenneth Kaunda joked about how the presidential position was challenging but that his leadership was inspiring and worth emulating.
Speaking in an interview at Dr. Kaunda’s funeral house, President Lungu said that it was a turning point for the country especially when various political players are competing for political leadership ahead of the 2021 general elections.
The Head of State urged political parties to reflect on the legacy and learn from the late President while sourcing for support from the Zambians.
In an effort to bring the best in the country, President Lungu indicated that politicians need to turn to God for guidance and move in the right direction.
He added that the only way to mourn Dr. Kaunda was to emulate him by picking a few things from his leadership and life.
“There are no exact words that can describe this man because he meant so many things to many of us, but for the majority of Zambians he meant a unit of love and peace in the country. So those of us that aspire to lead the country, let us emulate him,” President Lungu indicated.
He urged the nation to mourn the late President within the confines of adhering to the COVID-19 regulations, stating that the country has continued to record increased cases and deaths due to the pandemic.
President Lungu with Panji Kaunda, the first son of the late President Dr Kenneth Kaunda
Meanwhile, Democratic Party Presidential candidate Harry Kalaba noted that Dr. Kaunda as father of the nation left a legacy to build on.
Mr. Kalaba said that it was critical for Zambians to live by the one Zambia one nation motto which the late President initiated hence mourning him should bring people together regardless of their political affiliation.
“Dr. Kaunda knew no political parties that he belonged to and therefore in a period like this, what should bring us together is the love that he had for humanity.
He noted that the country continues to enjoy the peace and tranquility that Dr. Kaunda had for the country to safeguard what he preached.
He explained that Zambia is one of the eight countries in Africa that has never experienced a civil strife as a result of Dr. Kaunda’s message of love and goodwill.
President Lungu with First lady at the Funeral House of the Late President Kenneth Kaunda
And The African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) says it has learned with great sadness, the news of the passing of Kenneth Kaunda, the founding president of the republic of Zambia.
ANC has since described Dr. Kaunda’s death as a sad moment for South Africa and Africa as a whole.
ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe, said the late Dr. Kaunda is a giant of the liberation struggle of South Africa who held a special place in the hearts of the movement, the country and the South African people.
Mr. Mabe said the gesture by Dr. Kaunda to open up Zambia as a home and headquarters of the ANC for over 30 years, was a demonstration of his belief that Zambia would not be free until sister countries on the continent that were still under colonial oppression were also free.
He added that the story of the liberation of Southern Africa would be incomplete without full acknowledgement of the central role played by Zambia and late president Kaunda.
Mr. Mabe noted that Zambia’s hosting of the ANC and other liberation movements including, FRELIMO of Mozambique, MPLA of Angola, ZAPU, ZANU of Zimbabwe and SWAPO of Namibia to conduct their struggles against colonialism and apartheid, came at a huge price for Zambia as the country’s economy was sabotaged, with clear intent of discouraging the Zambians from supporting the liberation movements.
“Dr. Kaunda was a great friend of our President Oliver Tambo with whom he worked to advance the struggle for freedom, at the ANC’s first national conference inside the country in 1991 and President Tambo related his gratitude to President Kaunda for his support when he suffered a stroke,” he said.
He further described the late Dr. Kaunda as a great internationalist, supporter and chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1970-1973.
Mr. Mabe noted KK, as he was fondly known, had run his race and fought a good fight hence will be remembered for his humility, humanism, kindness, dedication to peace, the fight against HIV and AIDS and recently his dedication to the fight against the Covid-19.
“Dr. Kenneth Kaunda is the pride of the African continent, like his peers Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Agostinho Neto, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and a many others, their selflessness must inspire us to continue the struggle for an Africa that is free of landlessness, poverty and human suffering,” he said.
He has since extended the ANC’s deepest condolences to the Kaunda family, the Zambian government and all the people of Zambia.
President Lungu with First lady at the Funeral House of the Late President Kenneth Kaunda
Meanwhile, the death of Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda leaves an indelible mark on the history of the country and the growth of the labour movement in Zambia, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General has said.
Mr. Cosmas Mukuka said the union learnt of Dr. Kaunda’s passing with deep sorrow and regret.
Mr. Mukuka said Dr. Kaunda contributed immensely to the establishment of a strong ZCTU through an Act of Parliament, appointment of the executive board for the organization and donating the organization’s first vehicle for ease of mobilization activities.
He noted that it was during the reign of Dr. Kaunda and his desire for a strong labour movement that ZCTU grew into a strong crusade as his government organised members into unions, thereby enabling to turn ZCTU into a strong and effective organization of influence and impact.
“Through government intervention, the ZCTU constitution demanded for one union, one industry and workers automatically became union members immediately they joined an institution as an employee,” he said.
He further said Dr. Kaunda, who through his untiring efforts tried to unite the country, will be remembered as father of the nation by all Zambians, sought to unite the country under the ‘One Zambia; One Nation’ motto.
Mr. Mukuka added that the movement would also remember Dr. Kaunda as a dedicated pan-Africanist and a political hero who played a crucial role in the liberation of southern African countries and ending colonial rule in Africa.
Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s “founding father” and first president, has died in a military hospital in Lusaka where he was being treated for pneumonia. Aged 97, he was the last of the generation of leaders who secured independence for their countries from colonial rule and went on to govern through their own distinctive political and economic philosophies. Like the continent’s other “philosopher kings” — Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta, Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, Senegal’s Leopold Senghor — Kaunda’s vision for Zambia’s post-colonial future left a profound imprint on society that lasted well beyond his time in power.
He will be remembered variously as a freedom fighter who supported liberation struggles across Southern Africa, a nation-builder who avoided divide-and-rule politics, a bad economist who presided over decades of decline, a repressive leader who enforced an unpopular one-party state and an elder statesman who peacefully accepted defeat having lost the 1991 general elections. He was all of these things, embodying both strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. Yet above all, he is likely to be remembered, against the backdrop of his often corrupt and repressive successors, as a man who was ultimately willing to put the national interest ahead of his own.
The rise to power
Kaunda, popularly known as KK, was born in Chinsali to parents who were teachers; and, significantly, to a father who came from what is now Malawi. This gave Kaunda a distinctive position in Zambian political life. On the one hand he hailed from an area dominated by the Bemba and spoke the Bemba language, and so could effectively mobilise one of the country’s largest ethnic groups. On the other hand, his mixed heritage encouraged him to stay above ethnic politicking and to seek to balance the representation of different groups in his cabinet.
Having initially followed in his parents’ footsteps as a teacher, Kaunda resigned in 1951 to become the organising secretary of the Northern Rhodesian ANC in the Northern Province. In time, he became disillusioned with the moderate stance of ANC leader Harry Nkumbula and quit in 1958 to set up the rival Zambian (ZANC). This new political vehicle, which argued for rapid decolonisation, was quickly shut down by the colonial government, and Kaunda was imprisoned for nine months.
Upon his release, and with a reputation bolstered by the time that he had spent in jail, Kaunda took up the leadership of the United National Independence Party, which had been formed while he was in detention. By pushing a more radical message and developing a strong structure in urban areas along the line of rail, UNIP quickly eclipsed the ANC and so it was Kaunda who emerged as the country’s first Prime Minister and then President following independence in 1964.
Zambian humanist
In power, Kaunda sought to strike a delicate balance by not offending the country’s powerful trade unions — which frequently demanded improvements in pay and conditions — international donors, who wanted to see a reduction in government spending, its religious leaders who exerted a strong influence over Zambian hearts and minds, and the country’s different ethnic groups, each of which feared being outmanoeuvred by the others. The multiple compromises this resulted in are well demonstrated by his professed ideology, Zambian humanism, which was leftwing without being explicitly socialist, focused on the struggle for human progress without being “godless”, and was community minded while rejecting the principle of tribalism.
This was not simply a political manoeuvre — Kaunda really did believe in these things, and was in many ways more of a moderate than his counterparts elsewhere on the continent.
Yet, in consistently trying to balance these competing pressures, Kaunda risked pleasing no one. He failed to make the country less dependent on copper, but this didn’t stop damaging trade union strikes. Meanwhile, leaders from the Bemba rejected his efforts at ethnic balancing, complaining that they had not been sufficiently rewarded for the prominent role that they played in securing independence.
As economic conditions worsened, the greatest threat to UNIP was not defeat by the ANC, but rather that a group of Kaunda’s supposed allies would break away to challenge his rule. When his long-time friend and former vice-president, Simon Kapwepwe, left to form the United Progressive Party (UPP), Kaunda realised that a UPP/ANC alliance might defeat UNIP, and so began proceedings to introduce a one-party state in 1972.
Freedom fighter
Kaunda officially justified the one-party state on the basis that it was necessary because the country was at war. This was self-serving, because the real motivation was domestic not international, but it contained an element of truth. Kaunda had offered support to liberation movements in Southern Africa, offering fierce criticism to foreign leaders who supported white minority rule such as Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, and so feared attacks from apartheid South Africa.
Zambia also suffered in other ways. When sanctions were placed on Ian Smith’s Rhodesia, it cut off landlocked Zambia from important trading routes, making a challenging economic situation even more difficult. Initially Kaunda and UNIP’s legitimacy as nationalist heroes allowed them to ride this out but, as the economy continued to suffer, popular support ebbed away and the government was increasingly forced to use repression instead of cooptation and persuasion. Some dissidents were beaten and locked up,others fled the country.
By the late 1980s, Kaunda had run out of ideas, UNIP’s official structures were little more than a fiction, and the one-party state was on borrowed time.
A leader reborn
This is the point at which most incumbent leaders agreed to reintroduce multiparty politics only to use violence, censorship, and intimidation to manipulate the polls and stay in power. But Kaunda took a different path, and in so doing revived his reputation. UNIP tried to manipulate the elections but without the repression seen in places such as Kenya and Togo. The result was a landslide defeat, after which Kaunda gracefully accepted defeat and congratulated his successor.
That act allows Zambians to remember KK as a leader who twice put the national interest before his own — in the 1960s and in the 1990s. The relatively poor performance of the leaders who succeeded him only served to boost his political rehabilitation. His immediate replacement, Frederick Chiluba, stole hundreds of millions of dollars and tried to use the fact that Kaunda had Malawian ancestry to claim he was not really Zambian and bar him from contesting the 1996 general election. Viewed against the backdrop of current President Edgar Lungu, who stands accused of dividing the country while mishandling the economy and rigging elections, Kaunda’s record appears to be considerably more impressive.
The memory of Kaunda as a nation-builder will also be sustained by the contrast between his manner and the brash style of the contemporary political class. Despite being a national liberation hero, Kaunda never lost his human touch. We interviewed him and saw at first hand his modest lifestyle and lack of pretension. It was a reminder of a less cynical and more idealistic time when leaders were not assumed to be corrupt, arrogant and flashy. As some of those who have taken to social media to share their thoughts on his death have pointed out, it was characteristic of Kaunda that at a time when so many of Africa’s elite fly to the United States or India for medical treatment, he was treated and died in a Zambian hospital.
When Zambians observe 21 days of national mourning, they will not just be grieving for KK, but also for a lost era of hope, national pride and human dignity.
Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 2,913 new confirmed Covid-19 cases out of 12,703 tests conducted, representing a 23 percent positivity rate.
The latest 2,913 cases bring the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 125,157.
The new cases were recorded from across all ten provinces with Lusaka recording the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases of 1,126, representing 27 percent.
This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama.
Dr. Malama also disclosed that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded a total of the 29 new deaths, of which 26 are classified as Covid-19 deaths and three Covid-19 associated.
He said the deceased people ranged between ages of 28 and 96 years.
“The cumulative number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded to date now stands at 1,554, classified as 930 Covid deaths and 624 Covid-19 associated deaths,” he said.
Dr. Malama said the break downs of the deaths by province and facility were; Lusaka 17, reported across various health centres, Central one death, Copperbelt province four deaths, Eastern two deaths and Southern with five deaths.
He further disclosed that a total of 1,999 discharges were made from both the Covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 103,884, which represents 83 percent recovery rate.
He disclosed that the country recorded a total of 205 new admissions in the last 24 hours adding that the currently there are 19,719 active cases, of whom 18,855 are under community management and 864 are admitted to Covid-19 isolation facilities, with 590 on oxygen therapy and 136 in critical condition.
Dr. Malama informed the nation that government, through the Ministry of Finance, has mobilized funds for the procurement of at least three million doses of the Johnsons & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine under the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) and further submitted all the requirements under COVAX for the 108,000 AstraZeneca doses which are expected in the country next week.
The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services has meanwhile hailed the health workers for their dedication and various stakeholders that have shown solidarity.
He said the country is trying hard to contain the virus adding that the citizens should translate the solidarity into action.
“On the local front, we are encouraged by the increased show of solidarity from various stakeholders following the directives by President Edgar Lungu for us as a country to stem further transmission of Covid-19. We now need to translate this solidarity into action at all levels particularly our communities,” he said.
Dr. Malama revealed that there were a number of stakeholders coming forward to support the ramping up of the oxygen production, delivery and maintenance.
He has urged the general public to continue following the five golden rules at all times and be available for vaccination once the opportunity is presented.
Patriotic Front (PF) running mate, Nkandu Luo says the demise of first republican president, Kenneth Kaunda is a loss to Zambia when the country needed him most as he was an icon of peace.
Professor Luo said this today when she signed in the book of condolence of the late first republican president at the funeral house in State Lodge.
Professor Luo said Dr Kaunda was a pillar of peace that the nation looked up to whenever in need of wisdom and guidance in running affairs of the country.
She noted that the only way the nation can honour him is to stop perpetuating violence and promote peace in the country.
“We can honor the father of the nation by promoting peace, and stop acts of violence, this is the only way we can say thank you to him,” Ms Luo advised.
She added that the late leader always sacrificed himself for others and helped in the liberation of so many nations in the Southern African region.
“We cannot talk about liberation of the country and many other nations in Africa without mentioning Dr Kenneth Kaunda, he was the father of the nation, and fought our freedom,” she said.
Professor Luo lamented that the loss is not only for Zambia but the entire southern African region and the world over as Dr Kaunda played a huge role in the fight for independence.
Dr Kaunda died yesterday at 14:30 hours after a short illness at Main Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka.
President Edgar Lungu today visited the funeral house of the late first president of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda to convey his message of comfort to the bereaved family.
President Lungu described the death of Dr. Kaunda as loss not only to Zambia but to Africa and the world at large.
The Head of State said the late first president will always remain important in Zambia’s history for the role he played in liberating the country.
Speaking after he signed the book of condolences, President Lungu said the late Dr. Kaunda was an iconic Pan-Africanist and global statesman who always wanted to see good in others.
President Lungu said as the country’s founding father, the late president’s ideas of humanitarian, which were founded upon his strong Christian leadership, defined his leadership qualities.
He has since called on Zambians to celebrate the life of the first president by holding firmly and embracing the ‘One Zambia; One nation’ slogan as a basis for the nation to forge ahead.
“Let us keep Dr. Kaunda alive in our hearts and our deeds. Let the life led by the late President shape our destiny and remain indelible in our identity as people,” President Lungu urged Zambians.
He further said that Dr. Kaunda’s exemplary statesmanship, as steadfast and unwavering as he was renowned, gained him international stature.
Dr. Lungu noted that the late first president projected his noble ideas on the international stage while seeking the best for mankind.
President Lungu’s message of condolences read, “To KK our father, you have run your good race, we are proud of you by celebrating your life. We will emulate you”.
And family representative, Kaweche Kaunda thanked President Lungu and the nation as a whole for the support rendered to the family especially during the trying times.
Mr. Kaunda stated that his father’s legacy was premised on peace and love for one another hence it should continue to live on.
He stated that the family will remain united and build on the notion of peace and love which Dr. Kaunda preached about.
“He has left an example of his life, his motto was love and peace for one another. As a family, we will try to emulate his steps because peace and love is the foundation of everything,” Mr. Kaunda explained
.
He thanked the health personnel at Maina SoKo Medical Centre for their efforts to save the late former president’s life but said it was time for him (Dr. Kaunda) to rest.
Mr. Kaunda added that the family was grateful to God for giving their hero 97 years on earth and said he lived a productive life.
The Kaunda family looked forward to continue working with government and thanked President Lungu and his wife for their comfort.
President Lungu was accompanied by First Lady Esther Lungu who committed the bereaved family in prayer.
Mrs. Lungu prayed for continued peace in the family and the nation at large which the late former president wished for.
Other officials that visited the funeral house are Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe and Patriotic Front National Chairperson Samuel Mukupa.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Chalwe Lombe, and Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Emmanuel Mwamba also visited KK’s funeral house in Lusaka’s State Lodge area.
Lumwana Radiants have been demoted after a 2-0 away loss to fellow strugglers Indeni at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe on Friday.
The defeat sees Lumwana join bottom placed Kitwe United who were demoted three weeks ago with five games to spare.
Tiki Chiluba scored a brace in the 7th and 41st minutes to keep Indeni’s survival hopes alive heading into the last day of the season on June 26.
Lumwana have 33 points, three less than third from bottom Napsa Stars who are in action this Sunday away to mid-table Nkwazi.
Indeni stay put above the bottom four at number 15 on 41 points, three points more than Nkana who play on Saturday against continental chasers Buildcon in Kitwe.
Nkana must avoid defeat in that fixture or will face the very strong prospect of demotion heading into their final day date against Napsa Stars next week in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Power Dynamos are safe from relegation following a 1-0 home win over Lusaka Dynamos thanks to a 24th minute Luka Chamanga goal.
