Foreign leaders and regional bodies attending the state funeral of Kenneth Kaunda have paid glowing tribute to the late First Republican President.
ZANIS reports that dignitaries penned down moving eulogies in the book of condolences as they arrived at the state funeral of the late icon of pan-Africanism at the show grounds.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, said Dr Kaunda will forever be remembered as a courageous leader who supported South Africa’s struggle for freedom and Democracy.
“KK as we called him, fondly was a great inspiration to the young people of South Africa. He will forever be remembered as the father of our liberation in South Africa” Mr Ramaphosa said.
Emerson Munangagwa, President of Zimbabwe eulogized Dr. Kaunda as the last founding father of the African Union (AU), who lived long enough to see his dream of an independent Africa.
“He was the pan-Africanist icon who believed that Zambia was not independent until all countries on the African continent have become free and independent” Mr Mnangagwa wrote.
President Mogkweetsi Masisi of Botswana said President Kaunda gave all of himself for the betterment of everyone in the region, Africa and the world.
Emotional tributes continued with president of Namibia Hage Gaingob who like many current and former Heads of state lived in Zambia, had few words.
“Go well with your excellence till we meet again. You have left deep pan-Africanist footprints. Africa is proud of you” he wrote.
President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Malawi Dr Lazarus Chakwera hailed Dr Kaunda as the last of the giants of pan-Africanism.
Other dignitaries who wrote in the book of condolences are President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi and Chairperson of the African Union commission Moussa Faki among others.
Among the serving regional Heads of State who once lived in Zambia during the independence struggles of their countries, include Namibian Hage Gaingob and his counterpart Emmerson Mnagagwa, President of Zimbabwe.
Dr Kaunda died on June 17th,2021, at Mina Soko Medical centre after an illness at the age of 97.
Kwamene kuno kumalilo, kulibe na nsima, ise ba mukomboni tanyamula kudala salt na mpilimpili. Kaya tiza chita bwanji?
KZ, ba PF intercity came in buses, but made a u-turn after they saw the merrown barrets at the show ground gates.
The incoming President HH was not invited.
Very busy today with the logistics of such a high profile burial. Sorry for the lack of comments. I am sure you understand.
Mentioning COVID as a cause would have helped us raise sympathy outside the continent. COVID-19 is not cholera or dysentery; no need to be ashamed. We need vaccines now. Our seniors are disappearing.
What a terrible speaker is our president. He’s got no charisma, speaks like a 10 year old and makes so many mistakes. I’m not PF but even I am so embarrassed, incredible what a hopeless leader. Thank the Lord that on August 12 someone else will replace him!
Topical madong dongo politics
UPND leader HH blocked from flying out of Lusaka to the Copperbelt to attend the funeral of Copperbelt Youth Chairman Bwalya Manenga.
HH was informed that could not allow him to fly into the Copperbelt apparently because President Edgar Lungu was also present in the province.
Hats off to the Government for organizing a beffitting send- off State funeral for our KK.
All the officers involved in orgarnising the event did a good job . We thank them.
We also thank dignitories who came from abroad despite the covid pandemic.
For us who beneffited from the free education and health facilities ,shall forever be indebted to this Great Son of Africa.
RIP .
Befitting funeral for KK. The preacher man was on point. The speeches described what Kaunda was and stood for. Organisation was good
There was no need to write invitation cards to HH and Nalumango. Those 2 were expected to be first to enter the show grounds. HH and Mutinta (am jealous of this couple) was supposed to go WITHOUT invitation cards, don’t be a coward Mr. President.
HH you messed up bro. You messed up man.
Kaizer Zulu I thought sacked a long time ago.
@Mweol, this one above is not the real Kaizar Zulu but an attention seeking low life based in the UK who thinks masquerading as Kaizar Zulu will it the attention it craves. Yes the real Kaizar Zulu was fired long time ago and likely languishing jobless in Zambia somewhere. We tend to ignore this troll here… I never even bother to read what it says but I proceed to mark his comments down hoping it will give it signals but no.
Did Cyril find his ipad?