Former Vice President Nevers Mumba has described Zambia’s First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda as a role model to many African leaders and a rare human being.
He was speaking at the 2nd International Edition of Kenneth Kaunda Memorial Public Lecture at the University of Pretoria (UNISA) Senate Hall in South Africa.
Dr Mumba said Dr. Kaunda was a self-effacing African patriot, who left behind a legacy of exemplary leadership, to serve as a benchmark for all of the continent’s leaders.
And Former Nigerian President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan described Dr Kaunda, as a man of great discipline, dedication, conviction and conscience, as well as humour and humanity.
Dr Jonathan expressed appreciation to the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation for the invitation and to be part of this year’s Kenneth Kaunda Memorial Public Lecture, and for the opportunity to share thoughts on the life and lessons of Africa’s foremost statesman and icon.
He noted that Dr. Kenneth Kaunda invokes memories of freedom, hope, justice and sacrifice, with no limit to the essence of the character that Dr. Kaunda exemplified.
“He was a specimen of the highest level of patriotism. He was also a strong promoter of Pan-Africanism, an idea that has now attained maturity with the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which itself was a product of the vision of men and women like ‘KK’, as Dr. Kaunda was fondly called,” Mr. Jonathan said.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Mrs Inonge Mwenya said the former President left a legacy and worked with different stakeholders, to promote African Unity and solidarity, and to advocate for self-determination and economic development.
Mrs. Mwenya said Dr. Kaunda was defined by courage, strength, and resilience, championing hope and freedom and good governance in Zambia, Southern Africa, and the entire African continent.
And Princess of Africa Foundation Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka said Dr. Kaunda contributed immensely to South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994.
She said she was happy that the people of South Africa benefited and greatly appreciated KK for his contribution to South Africa and the world at large.
Kenneth Kaunda’s son Kaweche Kaunda said the Memorial Lecture reminds everyone of the path taken for Africa’s freedom and what Dr Kenneth Kaunda did. He said from the KK memorial lecture, many have been inspired and will deepen practical action.
“We are reminded of the dream of KK and others. We are reminded of the work of freedom fighters in South Africa, in Southern Africa, Africa, and the world over. Although we still have challenges, we now remember that our journey has achieved a lot. It is possible to gather here today because of the efforts of those that fought for freedom”, Mr Kaunda said.
The Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation ( KKCAF) organised the 2nd International KK Public Lecture which was held in Pretoria at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
The Lecture was organised by Princess of Africa Foundation in collaboration with Ubuntu Africa Consciousness and attracted a number of eminent persons such as African leaders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, among other dignitaries.
Dr. Kaunda died on 17th June, 20 at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka Zambia.
