By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi has conveyed his message of condolences over the passing of former President Kenneth Kaunda .
President Nyusi says Dr. Kaunda will be remembered as a father of the liberation struggle, a visionary who embodied the true values of Pan Africanism, freedom, non-racialism, democracy and the regional integration of Southern Africa.
He says Dr Kaunda symbolized a selfless life who committed himself to freeing the peoples of the continent from the yokes of colonialism, neo-colonialism and apartheid.
President Nyusi hailed Dr Kaunda’s efforts to host the liberation movements in the region which eventually brought independence to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and majority rule in South Africa.
“This was at a tremendous cost to the Zambian economy and the security of the country’s people, Dr Kaunda’s vision also greatly contributed to the founding of the Frontline States, the fore-runner of SADC, which was established with the late Sir Seretse Khama, Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel and Agostinho Neto in the early 1970’s, leading to the liberation struggle for Southern Africa,” he said.
President Nyusi said Dr Kaunda provided an important example to future leaders in Zambia and on the continent.
“ Dr Kaunda provided for the need to respect the principles of democracy in victory or defeat when he peacefully handed over power following the electoral defeat of his United National Independence Party -UNIP- in 1991,” he said
President Nyusi said that this laid a firm foundation for the vibrant democracy that Zambians enjoy today, as well as for the consolidation of multi-party democracy on the African continent.
“ It is therefore befitting that as Zambians hold their General Election on 12th August 2021, to celebrate Dr Kaunda’s legacy by observing peace and calm in the context of democratic elections,” he said.
President Nyusi who is also SADC Chairperson said a Mechanism in honour of the Founders of SADC, which will include a Museum, has been established for the sacrifices and their commitment to African political freedom, regional integration and regional economic development.
“ Mechanism in honour of Dr Kaunda’s legacy, and that of his peers will serve to inspire and model youths who represent the core and the future of the more than 250 million citizens of the SADC Region, therefore SADC joins the rest of the continent in celebrating the life and achievements of Dr Kaunda and that the flags at the SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, shall be flown at half-mast for seven days as a mark of respect in memory of the former President,” he said
