Advertisement Banner
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 962

Muchinga appreciates opportunity to have KK’s body

Chief Editor
-
12
Muchinga appreciates opportunity to have KK’s body

Two former ministers in Muchinga Province, have thanked government for according the people of Muchinga, an opportunity to pay their last respects to Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, who was born in Chinsali District.

Former Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo says bringing back the body of Dr Kaunda where he was born and raised in Lubwa mission, means a lot to the people of Lubwa and the entire Muchinga Province as a whole.

Flanked by former Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone , soon after the remains of the first Republican President arrived at Chinsali air strip at 09: 36 hours today, Mr Kampyongo said Dr Kaunda contributed so much to the liberation of this great nation, Zambia and other African countries.

“As people of Chinsali, we are happy that the body of Dr Kaunda is finally here in Lubwa mission and that we are going to mourn and celebrate the son of the soil right here where he was born which is an honour to us,” he said.

He said the love that Dr Kaunda had should be inculcated in the lives and hearts of many Zambians.

And former Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone says the great legacy that the founding President has left behind should be upheld and emulated.

Mr Sichone stressed that the life and leadership style of Dr Kaunda is worth emulating as he advocated for peace and unity among citizens and in his Government as well as beyond borders.

He said the good leadership and team work spirit displayed by the First Republican President should be instilled in everyone occupying leadership positions at various levels.

” The people of Muchinga Province will forever remain grateful as we recount the many blessings that the province benefited during his reign as President,” he said.

He said the legacy of love left behind by Dr Kaunda which he emphasized on should be cherished by all and at all times.

Mr Sichone added that the late President ruled this country on the foundation of love ,peace and unity which is why his lasting legacy will stand a test of time.

Meanwhile, a senior resident of Chinsali, Felix Nondo said the history of Zambia can never been complete without the mention of Chinsali where notable people such as late Dr Kenneth Kaunda , late Mwansa Kapwepwe , late Paul Mushindo and late Kapasa Makasa among others hailed from.

Mr Nondo stated that burying Dr Kaunda in Chinsali would have been of economic benefit to the district and the province at large.

He said Dr Kaunda will be missed greatly as he was a gallant man of honour and a hard worker.

” Many of us benefited through the free education policy that Dr Kaunda put in place ,” Mr Nondo said.

And son to the later President Kenneth Kaunda has expressed gratitude to the people of Chinsali in particular Lubwa mission for mourning their father with respect.

Dr Waza Kaunda further thanked Government through President Edgar Lungu for the support rendered to the first family during the time he was still alive, sick and the mourning period.

People of Zambia have shown so much love to the family during this difficulty time which is a clear indicator that he was a selfless man full of love

” As a family we are also appreciative to the united Church of Zambia for the role they have played during the funeral of Dr Kaunda and other church mother bodies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions ( ZCTU ) in Muchinga Province has saluted late First Republican President Kenneth David Kaunda for his contributions to the labour movement during his reign.

ZCTU Muchinga Province regional coordinator Nondo Kasanda has told ZANIS in Chinsali today in an interview that the labour movement in Muchinga is mourning Dr. Kaunda with the rest of Zambians and the world at large because of massive contributions to the labour movement.

“ Late Dr. Kaunda was one of the first black leaders of the labour movement at Mwenzo in Nakonde under Northern Province then and now Muchinga, “ Mr. Kasanda said.

Mr. Kasanda said while at Mwenzo, late First Republican President Kenneth David Kaunda started the Mwenzo Workers Welfare.

He said that during his reign Dr. Kaunda promoted Miner Workers Union as well as the Teachers Unions.

Dr. Kaunda when he became President of the independent Zambia, allowed workers Voice by allowing workers to belong to a union of their choice.

He said that Dr. Kaunda never allowed many Unions to be formed like today adding that he only allowed ZCTU as Mother Union and the Zambia National Union of Teachers ( ZNUT) as teachers Union because he wanted the voice of workers to be strong and be heard.

The ZCTU regional coordinator said Dr. Kaunda used pupil centered methods despite that he was a politician.

He added that president Kaunda had active classes and produced very good active pupils saying there is need to emulate his teaching styles.

And the ZCTU has saluted the Patriotic Front (PF ) for creating Muchinga Province and declaring Chinsali as a Provincial Capital adding that this is a great honour to the great son of Africa, Dr. Kaunda whose birth place is Chinsali.

The ZCTU has meanwhile, appealed to UCZ to upgrade Lubwa to a big Mission in order to attract international visitors in honour of KK family.

“KK is the Zambezi river of labour movement in Zambia. KK is the source of workers representation in Zambia and for this we honour him even in death, “ said Mr. Kasanda .

Chinsali residents today had a chance to pay their last respect to Dr. Kaunda whose body was in Muchinga and Lubwa mission in particular, his birth place for the continued provincial viewing.

The plane carrying the body of Zambia’s founding father touched down at Chinsali air strip at 09:36 accompanied by vice president Inonge Wina and Dr. Kaunda son Waza among others.

The casket draped in the Zambian flag was driven on a gun carriage to Lubwa mission passing through town where residents had lined up waving white handkerchiefs as a symbol of peace and love.

The significance of KK’s Heroes and Unity Day holidays in Zambian history

Chief Editor
-
10
The significance of KK’s Heroes and Unity Day holidays in Zambian history

By Sakwiba Sikota

The significance of Heroes and Unity Day holidays in Zambian history should never be forgotten. HEROES DAY is set aside for Zambians to remember those who fought in the struggle for Zambian Independence in 1964. UNITY DAY is to remind our diverse nation of 72 dialects, brought together by the Barotse Agreement, that for Zambia to continue to exist there must be unity to keep us as one.

Kenneth Kaunda was not the only Zambian who distinguished himself by his courage, patriotism, wisdom and talent. Some, but not all, of the others who played significant roles in Zambia’s independence include Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Nakatindi Nganga, Elijah Mudenda, Sikota Wina, Chibesa Kankasa, Mainza Chona and Grey Zulu

Many will argue that the people in the paragraph above were all heroes and equal. That may be true but in any group someone always comes through as the first amongst equals.

This is true even in America. During the American Revolution, a number of people rose to prominence. Amongst them were George Washington, Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and countless other wise, courageous and patriotic individuals.

These Americans were all important in the American revolution but only one had the capital city named after them; Washington. George Washington was the first President and clearly the first amongst equals.

In Zambia who would we consider, like Washington, to be the prime hero
of the Independence Revolution? The first person that comes to mind as the first President of Zambia, political detainee, freedom fighter and a Founding Father who left an unwavering mark on the history of Zambia is undoubtedly Kenneth David Kaunda.

UNITY DAY introduced by the Kaunda administration was cemented by his coining and continuous use of the slogan, “One Zambia- One Nation”. Civil servants were posted and transferred to any and all parts of Zambia no matter where they originally were from.

Unity is certainly something that our Zambian Hero, Kenneth David Kaunda (KK), strived for all his life. This is something we need to recognize and commemorate as a nation.

Who would therefore begrudge us renaming our July long holiday weekend, “KK HEROES AND UNITY HOLIDAY”?

It is a somber holiday which pays respect to those Zambian heroes.
In 1974, president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda presented a one and a half ton bronze statue as a gift to the nation to honour its heroes: a statue of a man with no shirt or shoes and defiantly raising a chained hand into the air. The statue carries the inscription “FREEDOM” beneath it. Freedom rallies of all descriptions have taken place at the site of the statue in Lusaka over the years.

This holiday celebrates the extraordinary cultural diversity of Zambia – and serves to unify all her people as one nation.
Zambia is home to more than 72 local languages/ dialects. There are six main languages spoken including: Bemba as the most widely-spoken, followed by Nyanja/Chewa. Kaonde, Luvale and Lunda are spoken in western Zambia, Tonga in the south and Lozi which is spoken along the Zambezi.
Such diversity calls for a celebration of unity. Hence the slogan: “One Zambia, one nation!”

NAQEZ salutes President Lungu for decision not to open Schools

Chief Editor
-
4
NAQEZ salutes President Lungu for decision not to open Schools

National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has commended President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for heeding teachers’ and other stakeholders’ cry not to re-open schools on July 8 as planned by the Ministry of General education (MOGE).

NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa says his organization is delighted with President Lungu’s timely intervention to reverse MoGE’s decision to reopen schools on July 8 saying most schools in the country were unable to successfully combat the disease outbreak owing to logistical limitations.

Mr. Chansa has noted that reopening of schools as earlier proposed by the MoGE posed a serious risk to learners and teachers as the virus had reached its peak owing to the high number of deaths and infections in past few weeks.

He reiterated that the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be left to government alone but requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

He for this reason called on the cooperate community to come aboard with donations of preventive items.

“As we thank the President for not re-opening schools next week, we expect meaningful funding to enable our schools buy hand sanitizers, infra-red thermometers, and more desks if physical distancing is to be realized, ” he said.

He further revealed that NAQEZ would between 8 and 15th July through its nationwide structures and members carry out physical inspections in schools across the country to ascertain their readiness for reopening.

Ministry of information and broadcasting Permanent secretary Amos Malupenga yesterday issued a statement that following preliminary assessment conducted ascertain their readiness to re-open after the 21 days closure effected on 17th June , schools will remain closed.

This is until further assessments are done by a combined team from Ministries of health, Higher and General Education and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), respectively.

UNZA Vice Chancellor Prof. Mumba gets contract renewed

Chief Editor
-
9
UNZA Vice Chancellor Prof. Mumba gets contract renewed

The University of Zambia Vice-Chancellor, Prof Luke Mumba, has been given a second contract by the UNZA Council to continue steering the University to higher heights.

The renewal of Prof Mumba’s contract that will run from July 2021 to June 2026 has been announced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Tamala Kambikambi.

Prof Mumba’s first term of office as Vice-Chancellor was from July 2016 to June 2021 and during this period, he has transformed the University into a corporate entity with significant achievements.

“He improved the University ranking from 55th position in Africa (in 2018) to 18th position (in 2020). Steered massive infrastructure development that has changed the face and landscape of the University,” Dr Kambikambi said.

“Prof. Mumba Implemented institution alterations which have changed the way UNZA conducts its business. This resulted in receiving over 11,000 applications by prospective students to study at the University with over half of these registered for the 2020/21 Academic Year. This is a record high which sets the trend.”

“I, therefore, ask you to join me in heartily congratulating Prof Luke E. Mumba as he begins his second term in office (July 2021 to June 2026),” she said.

“I look forward to his focused leadership as he takes us to higher heights and on behalf of us all, wish him God’s blessings and wisdom in this second leg of his journey,” Dr Kambikambi said.

ZCCM-IH profits dip as Copper prices soar

Chief Editor
-
9
ZCCM-IH profits dip as Copper prices soar

Mining conglomerate ZCCM-IH saw a sharp decline in profits from K448 million to 307 million for the nine month period ended 31st December 2019.

This was compared to the period 31st March 2019 year end.

The decline in profits is happening at a time when Copper is enjoying one of its highest price booms in recent history averaging above 8,000 dollars per tone.

This decline in profit is on account of 57% reduction in share of profit mainly due to lower than last year profit recorded by investee companies such as Kansanshi Mining Plc and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc.

There was a change in the Company’s financial year end from 31st March to 31st December.

“At the ZCCM-IH Group level, profit for the period was K307 million compared to K448 million for 31st March 2019 year end. Shareholders of ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) have approved a K53 million dividend at K0.33 per share during the 17th Annual General Meeting held recently virtually, says company Spokeswoman Loisa Mbatha.

She said this follows a profit of K153.4 million recorded at a Company level.

“The Group total assets increased by 14 % mainly as a result of a 15% increase in investment in associates due to share of profit of equity accounted investee companies of K420.3 million and improvement in net asset value of investee companies by K1.28 billion. Further, the Group recorded an 18% increase in retained earnings due to the profit of K307 million, and at Company level, retained earnings increased by 19% due to the profit recorded for the period of K153.4 million,” she said.

“This is the fifth consecutive time that the Company has declared a dividend in line with its strategic goal of ensuring shareholder return on investment. ZCCM-IH has paid out K590 million in total in dividend to its shareholders in the past five years.”

Former PF Secretary General Edward Mumbi has died

Chief Editor
-
19
Former PF Secretary General Edward Mumbi has died

National Democratic Congress (NDC) Akafumba led faction’s interim Vice President Edward Mumbi has died.

Mr. Mumbi, who is also former PF secretary-general, died at Maina Soko Hospital a while ago. His death was confirmed by NDC interim president Joseph Akafumba.

Mr. Mumbi came to fame when he led the PF as Secretary-General until then he was removed by then opposition PF leader Michael Sata.

Mr. Mumbi officially joined the MMD on August 27, 2009 following his removal as PF Secretary General.

On September 20, 2011, he almost had a physical fight with Mr. Sata on election day which saw PF ascend to power.

On 28 September 2016, Mr. Mumbi resigned from his position as UPND Presidential Spokesperson stating that it was increasingly difficult for him to continue discharging his duties.

On 19th July 2020, Mr. Mumbi joined National Democratic Congress (NDC) where he was appointed as Member of the Central Committee.

Mr. Mumbi joined the NDC faction led by Vice President Rikki Joseph Akafumba where he was later appointed NDC Vice President.

“We are saddened to announce the death of NDC vice president Edward Mumbi in Lusaka this afternoon. As UPND Alliance, We wish Mr Mumbi’s family God’s guidance and strength during this trying moment,” said UPND Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi.

Latest Elections Opinion Poll in 5 Provinces Shows None of the Presidential Candidates will get an Outright Victory

Chief Editor
-
37
Latest Elections Opinion Poll in 5 Provinces Shows None of the Presidential Candidates will get an Outright Victory

Political Science Association of Zambia in collaboration Faraline of the United Kingdom and Media Theory of USA have released an Opinion Poll that shows that non of the candidate getting an outright 50 + 1 % of the vote but strongly puts President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in the driving seating with a solid 40.4%. while his opposition rival Mr. Hakainde Hichilema is trailing standing at 30.33% of the poll.

The surprise performer was Socialist Part President Fred M’membe who was leading the rest of the opposition with 2.61, with Movement for Multi-Party Democracy President Nevers Mumba coming in at 2.13%, and Former Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba coming in at n 1.93%.

There was a whopping 15% that either declined to respond or remain undecided for various reasons, the target group that both major parties are likely to target as the country prepare to switch to campaign mode after the end of the National Mourning this week.

The Poll, which attracted experts such as Prof. Richard Elson from the United Kingdom, and Dr. Masauso Chirwa of Zambia, was conducted in five provinces comprising Copperbelt, Luapula, Eastern, Southern, and Western provinces.

The public polling was done to ascertain which candidate will likely win elections and was conducted by the research team comprising Dr. Masauso Chirwa, Principal Investigator Mr. Joe Nabwa and Mr. Aaron Siwale.

61.1% of respondents, who said they would vote for Mr. Edgar Lungu, gave reasons such as preservation of jobs, massive infrastructure development such as housing units for service personnel, roads hospitals, and schools. They also said President Lungu as a leader of the country, had stabilized the country despite the difficult circumstances such as droughts and the Covid-19 pandemic. Households in rural areas were pleased with government provision of social services such as Farm Input Support Programme(FISP) and Social-Cash Transfer. President Lungu’s supporters were also happy with the government revival of industries such as Kawambwa Tea Factory and Mununga Banana Factory and the holding of provincial expos and happy also happy with President Lungu’s promotion of family values.

Those that supported Mr. Hichilema stated that he was a visionary leader with a clear development plan. They also stated that Hichilema had promised to transform the country.

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu scored highest in Eastern, Luapula and Copperbelt while Mr. Hichilema scored highly in Southern and Western Provinces.

Two women detained in connection with cyber crime

Chief Editor
-
13
Two women detained in connection with cyber crime

Police in Mazabuka have arrested and charged the two females suspects in connection to a video circulating on social media showing two women and a male swimming while naked.

Police Deputy Spokesperson Danny Mwale has confirmed the arrest in a statement adding that the incident occurred on June 27, 2021 at around 14:30 hours at a named lodge in Magoye area.

“ The two women both of Mazabuka District have been identified as Euphemia Moya aged 22 of Ndeke Compound and Mary Sakala aged 24 of Nakambala Compound, “ said Mr Mwale.

He added that police have launched a man hunt for camera man, only identified as Cephas, and the male person captured naked in the swimming pool identified as Mulenga Chama.

The duo are currently detained in police custody and charged with the offence of obscene matters contrary to Section 59(1)(a) of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021.

7,289 beneficiaries Kasama receive Social Cash Programme funds

Chief Editor
-
4
7,289 beneficiaries Kasama receive Social Cash Programme funds

Government has released 2.3 million Kwacha to pay the 7,289 beneficiaries on the social cash programme in Kasama district.

Kasama District Commissioner, Kelly Kashiwa who visited Mulobola and Lwabwe catchment areas to witness the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries explains that the disbursed funds are for the May-June transfers.

ZANIS reports that Mr Kashiwa in an interview in Kasama said that the elderly, child headed households, the incapacitated and the disabled are the targeted beneficiaries.

He explained that all the categories of beneficiaries are receiving K300 bi-monthly while the disabled are each receiving K600.

He disclosed that government has also started enumerating more people to increase the number of social cash transfer beneficiaries adding that so far 2,000 people have been registered and are waiting to be cleared.

He added that government has also continued to identify more people to be enumerated and added on the programme in the district.

“We recently enumerated 2,000 and those are the ones we are working on to clean up the names and prepare their finances so that we add them on the programme, ” he said.

He also praised beneficiaries for putting to good use the money they are receiving from government.

And beneficiaries have praised government for increasing the bi monthly from K180 to K300 for other categories and from K360 to K600 for persons with disability.

One of the beneficiaries , Chota Chileshe of Mulobola area said the bi – monthly has also helped beneficiaries to live a dignified life.

“From the money we receive from government we are able to give some to people to assist us work in our farm land, we are able to buy home necessities like food and groceries, ” he said.

He explained that many beneficiaries are also using the transfers to improve their lives.

The S.C.T programme was adopted to be one of the major social protection interventions whose aim is to continuously reduce extreme poverty in Zambia.

The Program is among other social protection initiatives such as the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS) which involves in kind transfers to the needy and the Food Program Management which is the provision of food to vulnerable households.

These programmes implemented by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) for Incapacitated households. The main aim of these programmes is to provide and promote quality social welfare services n Alleviate poverty, reduce destitution, promote family values and reducing juvenile delinquency.

KK ‘s body arrives in Muchinga province

Chief Editor
-
7
KK ‘s body arrives in Muchinga province

The body of First President Kenneth Kaunda has arrived in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province for a church service and body viewing.

The Zambia Air Force plane carrying the remains of Dr. Kaunda touched down at Chinsali Airstrip at 09: 41hours.

The body was received by Vice President Inonge Wina, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU ) National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe, Former Minister of Works and Supply Sylvia Chailikosa, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Davison Mulenga and son to the late President , Colonel Panji Kaunda, among others.

Late Dr. Kaunda’s daughter Cheswa Kaunda, alongside with the Defense Force team , government officials, the clergy and representatives of civil society, were other notable figures that received the body.

While in Chinsali, the cortege carrying Dr. Kaunda’s remains will pass through designated points in the main business district ( MBD) to provide residents in the area to have a glimpse, on its way to Lubwa Mission Church for a church service.

Muchinga Province becomes the ninth place where the remains of Zambia’s founding father have been taken to for people across the country to pay their last respect before burial.

Earlier , the body of late President Kenneth Kaunda aboard a Zambia Airforce plane left Lusaka for Chinsali, Muchinga Province from Lusaka City Airport at 07:55 hrs.

Vice President Inonge Wina , his son Col. Kaunda, some bereaved family members, government officials and security personnel accompanied the body.

Yesterday, Dr. Kaunda’s body was in Eastern Province where a church service and body viewing was conducted at Chipata’s David Kaunda stadium.

Dr. Kaunda , who passed away on June 17, 2021 after a short illness at Maina Soko Medical Centre aged 97, is expected to be buried on July 7, 2021.

El Mukuka, Gaz Mawete and HVMZA join forces on the massive collab track ‘Bosana’

Entertainment Editor
-
0
El Mukuka, Gaz Mawete and HVMZA join forces on the massive collab track ‘Bosana’

Zambian DJ and Producer, El Mukuka once again joins forces with HVMZA and brings in Congolese superstar Gaz Mawete on the brand-new single ‘Bosana’ – out across all digital platforms.

“Bosana is such a feel-good summer track that instantly makes me feel like I’m at a beach club sipping on a cocktail, while dancing in the sunset!” – HVMZA

El Mukuka, arguably Zambia’s top DJ and Producer, teams up with Congolese singer Gaz Mawete who went viral with his song “Olingi Nini” on YouTube, receiving over 5 million plays. Belgian music producer, HVMZA, collaborates with El Mukuka for the 2nd time following the success of their first collaboration “Dame” which received incredible support in South Africa.

“I truly loved working on this song with Congolese heavyweight singer Gaz Mawete. His voice is so incredibly unique in tone and expression! As for HVMZA, this is already our second collaboration and definitely not the last! I love his style! I think ‘Bosana’ has a soulful & emotional touch that reminds me so much of summer sunsets over the ocean.” – El Mukuka

‘El Mukuka – Bosana feat. Gaz Mawete & HVMZA’ is out now across all digital platforms

https://africori.to/bosana

Is KK the Role Model of a Zambian President or is it a Curse of Afroamnersia?

Chief Editor
-
40
Is KK the Role Model of a Zambian President or is it a Curse of Afroamnersia?

By Kapya Kaoma

When politicians, pastors and scholars term KK as the role model for a Zambian President, I wonder whether they are under the curse of Afroamnersia. I have grand respect for KK for his post-presidential ubuntu and humility and I join the nation in mourning this son of the Soil. But when people blindly characterize his 27 year reign as exemplary and inspirational, it explains their lack of respect for human rights, the rule of law, the cult of the big man, the politicization of the law enforcement agencies, and the employment of cadres in politics of intimidation–all these characterized the UNIP era during the KK regime. Under the curse of Afroamnersia, politicians’, pastors’, scholars’, and civic leaders’ memories are erased and Dr. Kaunda’s 27 year reign no longer exists.

The historical truth speaks for itself–KK was a deadly dictator and his death should not force us to rewrite history. We ought to mourn and honor KK with the truth–our children must know the facts about our founding President. He was not a Mother Teresa or a Nelson Mandela, but a dictator, whom we called Mankangala, and whose Party UNIP we called “mulilo, uwaikatako apya ( fire, whoever touches it burns). The violence that characterizes our politics today, the empowering of cadres, the misuse of the police, and unaccountability of the president are some of the blessings of the KK regime. We may be ashamed to say it aloud, but we should not shower false praises on our founding President, whose Party UNIP those born after the mid 1980s will never know.

The formation of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) was due to Dr. Kaunda’s dictatorial decision to outlaw opposition parties in February 1972, which was later made Constitutional in July 1973–something he personally opposed in his 1964 article entitled, “The Future of Democracy in Africa.” He justified his actions on the premise of ensuring rapid development and protecting Zambia from South African and Rhodesian forces. Many people are still repeating this fallacy without questioning. The only problem is, the South African and Rhodesian governments used exactly the same rationale to arrest and torture blacks in their territories. They feared that allowing freedom of speech against the government would destabilize their nations by allowing opposition political views that would have led to regime change in their territories. So why did we oppose them for taking political prisoners like Mandela and Biko, but turn a blind eye to KK for doing the same thing to Kapwepwe and Nkumbula?

The Post-1991 KK was a great man. This is not the arrogant Kaunda, who ruled Zambia for 27 years, but the former president who dedicated his life to serve humanity. We must make this distinction if we are to remain faithful to history. Our children need to know why we celebrated his 1991 downfall and why UNIP, the once acclaimed Party, became irrelevant in Zambian politics to this day. It is because of KK’s dictatorship–people rejected him and went for the unqualified person in Chiluba. As bad and corrupt as Chiluba was, he brought about freedom of expression and democratization that enabled Zambians to speak out against their leaders–something that was impossible during the KK years.

As a Pan-Africanist, KK was extremely heroic–something reflected in speeches during his funeral from fellow African presidents. Yet as a Zambian freedom fighter, KK forgot those who fought colonialism along with him. He used military force against his opponents and silenced opposing voices with torture and public humiliation. He was the only one who spoke, the rest were expected to listen or else face his wrath. Sadly the use of force on political opponents is something all Zambian Presidents have inherited from the KK regime. Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda, Sata, and now Lungu are prototypes of KK–if you worship the big man, you live. If you don’t, you rot in jail or die. If you repent, your charges are immediately dropped. If you resign, charges are brought against you–it is our founding father’s tradition.

It is saddening that we suffer from Afroamnesia whenever Presidents die. Some Zambians may owe free education, and even development to KK, but so would many South African Africans and Zimbabweans do to Botha, Smith and Mugabe. But that does not erase history–their leaderships were brutal. I understand the need to honor KK, but I am tired of lying to our children. When Mugabe died, he became an African role model. The same with Gaddafi, Magufuli, Chiluba, and our own Sata. Is it death or simply the curse of Afroamnersia that makes a African President a role model?

Kaya.

Kambwili demands that HH Apologizes for Missing KK’s State Funeral

Chief Editor
-
42
Kambwili demands that HH Apologizes for Missing KK’s State Funeral

Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Founding Member Chishimba Kambwili has expressed shock by opposition United Party for National Developement (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema’s shunning of the state funeral for late First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Speaking when he addressed the media yesterday, Mr Kambwili said Mr Hichilema’s conduct should be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians and demanded that the opposition leader apologize for his conduct to citizens and the Kaunda family.

Mr Kambwili said that Mr Hichilema’s conduct was “typical of him” as he has publicly vowed to never attend State functions.

“I am extremely shocked that my brother and friend Hakainde Hichilema decided to stay away from the official funeral of Dr Kaunda and claimed that he was not invited…….Like I have said, you will know them by their deeds. What my brother did yesterday is unforgivable. Particularly that he is the biggest opposition figure in the country. When he went to sign the book of condolences, was he invited? No one was invited,” he said.

“He did it because he has vowed never to go and attend state functions. I will leave it for the people of Zambia to judge but this must be condemned. I was not invited but I went because it was too big of a function and because members of the public were invited. That is typical of him. The Zambian people, the Kaunda family, needs an apology.”

Mr Kambwili further mentioned that he tried to advise Mr Hichilema when he was his alliance partner to no avail.

“He has always refused to attend state functions. When we were in the alliance I advised that it is important….because when you become Head of State you will also be inviting other people to come to state functions, he totally refused,” he said.

“He only accepted half way by allowing his cadres to be going for these functions, and unfortunately they only attended one women’s day celebration and that was it. So it is unreasonable and an excellent lie for my brother to claim that he was not invited.”

Mr. Kambwili argued that it was possible for the opposition leader to attend the State funeral with or without an invitation.

“In any case, do you need to be invited to go for a funeral? If you look at the program that was released, it clearly states the arrival of opposition political party leaders, the arrival of the general public…..so are you telling that under the general public one cannot go and attend such an important event?”

“This is the function of the founding father of the nation, funeral of the founding father of the nation were foreign dignitaries came and surely that is the function you can decide to watch on a TV in your living room.”

Former Deputy IG Wynter Kabwiku has died

Chief Editor
-
5
Former Deputy IG Wynter Kabwiku has died

former Zambia Police Service Commissioner Wynter Kabwiku has died.

Mr. Kabwiku died yesterday afternoon at COPTIC hospital in Lusaka after a short illness.

ZANIS reports that family representative William Nkemba has confirmed the development in an interview.

Mr. Kabwiku served as Zambia Police Service Commissioner under President Frederick Chiluba’s regime and lectured at the University of Zambia ( UNZA ).

The funeral is being held at his residence in Lusaka’s Chelstone area.

The late Mr Kabwiku is survived by a wife and 6 children.

FAZ mourns Zambia’s first ever indigenous FIFA referee Bennet Simfukwe

Chief Editor
-
3
FAZ mourns Zambia’s first ever indigenous FIFA referee Bennet Simfukwe

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga says his Executive is saddened at the untimely death of Zambia’s first ever indigenous FIFA referee Bennet Simfukwe.

Kamanga says death has robbed FAZ of a giant in Simfukwe who he says paved the way for indigenous referees in Zambia to take centre stage.

“The death of Mr Simfukwe has come as a great shock especially that football is running out of great minds that were part of the pioneering period of our game.

“Our thoughts go out to the family as they mourn this great son of the soil, ” said Kamanga.

Kamanga in statement issued to ZANIS sports by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala, described Simfukwe as a pioneer and giant in refereeing.

“Such deaths remind us of the need to cherish and honour these greats. In a small way we have been unearthing some of these long-forgotten heroes of our game and seek to document their knowledge”, said Kamanga.

Simfukwe was a decorated sports administrator who was bestowed an insignia of meritorious achievement on Africa Freedom Day by President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka.

The presidential honour was in recognition of his contribution to the development of multi-disciplinary sports in Zambia, including football and basketball.

Simfukwe became Zambia’s first indigenous International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) referee in 1967.

He was also Confederation of African Football (CAF) commissioner from 1991-2004 and a Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) match commissioner from 1985-date.

Simfukwe also served as FAZ general secretary from 1990-1993.

The Late Simfukwe was also Association of Zambia (RAZ) chairperson from 1968-1969 and Zambia Basketball Association (BAZ) chairperson from 1971-1984.

He also served as Nkana Football Club chairperson from 1982-1983 and as well as secretary and treasurer from 1988-1990.

Simfukwe captained Zambia’s side to its first All-Africa basketball games in Lagos, Nigeria in 1962 and also served as board member on the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ).

Among the sports he played and officiated are football, basketball, bowling, athletics, tennis, golf and field events such as relay, discus and high jump.

Simfukwe died in Kitwe after a short illness.

1...961962963...5,665Page 962 of 5,665

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times