The Sunday Mail
Kuda Bwititi recently in ZAMBIA
THE world united in mourning the late founding President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, as Heads of State and Government and other global dignitaries converged at the Lusaka Showgrounds on Friday for the official state funeral of the iconic leader.
Dr Kaunda, or KK as he was affectionately known, was a towering figure in African politics and his lofty status was matched by the befitting send-off that he received from different leaders from around the world.
Eight Heads of State, including President Mnangagwa, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Hage Geingob (Namibia), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana) and Uhuru Kenyatta from Kenya, attended the colourful ceremony.
Also in attendance were Mussa Faki Mahamat (Africa Union Commission chairperson), Right Honourable Patricia Scotland (Commonwealth secretary-general), and UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge, as well as several VIPs from different parts of the world who either represented their leaders or came in their personal capacity.
Although the Zambian government enforced stringent Covid-19 protocols, hundreds still managed to gather to pay their last respects.
Flags that lined up the streets of Lusaka flew at half-mast.
Fittingly, his flag-draped casket was brought to Lusaka Showgrounds by the Zambian army.
Many in the crowd symbolically waved their white handkerchiefs, as Dr Kaunda unfailingly carried the hankie as a sign of love and peace during Zambia’s fight against white minority rule.
It became his handy accompaniment throughout his life.
The military parade held in honour of Dr Kaunda was moving.
The booming 21-gun salute and flypast by jets from the Zambia Airforce were quite a spectacle for the gathering.
Many leaders who took to the podium to eulogise Dr Kaunda said the former president’s legacy will live forever.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa gave a compelling account of the importance of KK’s memory for the continent.
“He lived his life in fulfillment of the founding principles of the Organisation of African Union (OAU), which centred on unity, solidarity and sovereignty. He has left us a legacy of selflessness, love, togetherness, unity and his ‘one Zambia, one nation’ motto, which embodies true patriotism of Africa.”
Dr Kaunda played an important role in moulding President Mnangagwa’s formative years in politics, as the latter got his education in Zambia.
“Today I also pay my personal tribute to this heroic man who modelled me into the person that I am today. The history of Zimbabwe will never be complete without tribute to the contribution made by Dr Kaunda and the great people of Zambia for our independence in Zimbabwe. I grew up here in Zambia.
“I did my education here in Zambia and graduated with a degree in law here in Zambia at UNZA (University of Zambia).
“I have a strong attachment to Zambia, which is my second home,” said the President.
Rt Hon Scotland said Dr Kaunda was ahead of his time, as he played a crucial role in building the modern Commonwealth.
“We are in awe of his magnanimity, that quality that made him ever so ready to commune, especially with those that he disagreed with, at times bitterly, for the sake of the greater good.
“He dedicated himself not only to free the people but forge consensus between and among nations. No doubt Zambia was home to almost all the liberation movements in Africa.
“No doubt, KK set Zambia at the forefront of multilateralism with a vision that was undergirded by a firm philosophy that pursued equality and freedom of all people.”
Dr Kaunda died on June 17 from pneumonia and will be buried on July 7 (Wednesday) in Lusaka.
In Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa declared 14 days of mourning, which ended on Friday.
In Zambia, the 21 days of mourning end on Wednesday.
