Cape Argus E-dition

African leaders remember Kaunda

RUDOLPH NKGADIMA Rudolph.Nkgadima@africannewsagency.com

TRIBUTES have poured in for former Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda, who died on Thursday at the age of 97.

The well-respected statesman led his country to independence in 1964 and served as Zambia’s president until 1991.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said: “We bow our heads in grief at the passing of the beloved and rightfully revered father of African Independence and unity. We are united in our sadness with the Kaunda family and the government and people of Zambia.”

Ramaphosa declared a national period of mourning for 10 days which started on Friday. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all flag stations.

Zambian President Edgar Lungu paid tribute to Kaunda, thanking him for his sacrifice in the fight against colonisation and British rule in the country.

“On behalf of the entire nation and on my own behalf, I pray that the entire Kaunda family is comforted as we mourn our first president and true African icon.

“May the soul of Dr Kenneth David Kaunda rest in eternal peace,” said Lungu.

AU chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, said: “Africa has lost one of its finest sons. He embodied the true sense of pan-Africanism, placing his own country, Zambia, at grave risk in order to provide safe harbour for the liberation movements of Southern Africa as well as its peoples.”

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent his condolences .

He described Kaunda as a renowned oan-Africanist and elder statesman.

Namibia’s president, Hage Geingob said: “Africa has lost a giant of a man. However, Africans, and Namibians in particular, shall be eternally grateful for his stellar contribution to our freedom.”

The Movement of Democratic Change Alliance, led by Nelson Chamisa, also expressed sadness at Kaunda’s death.

Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo said Kaunda’s demise at the grand old age of 97 years brought an end to the pioneers and forefathers who led the struggles for the decolonisation of the African continent.

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki paid tribute to Kaunda, saying: “He was a man of integrity. A consummate pan-Africanist who continued to champion the development and unity of African states well into his retirement.

“Kaunda leaves a legacy for current and future leaders. Principled and a visionary, Kaunda was the kind of African leader we need.”

The EFF said that Kaunda would go down in history as the only head of a sovereign state in the world to have given a headquarters to all of Africa’s liberation organisations.

The party said he did not steal from his nation and did not leave his people in the lurch.

AFRICA

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2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/282024740219899

African News Agency