Zambia Commemorates 50 Years of Kenneth Kaunda’s Contribution to Peace in Southern Africa
The Zambian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the legacy of peace championed by the country’s founding President, Kenneth Kaunda, as the nation launched commemorations marking 50 years of his contribution to peace in Southern Africa.
Speaking during the launch event in Lusaka, Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba said Dr Kaunda dedicated his life to promoting peace, freedom and justice across the region at a time when Southern Africa faced colonial rule, conflict and apartheid.
Mr Sikumba said the late statesman stood firmly for dialogue, solidarity and human dignity, emphasising that sustainable development can only flourish in an environment of peace. He added that the commemorative exhibition highlights Zambia’s historic role in supporting liberation movements across the region.
Meanwhile, Director General of the National Museums Board of Zambia, George Mudenda, said the initiative is a collaboration between the National Museums Board, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and UNESCO.
Mr Mudenda said the exhibition will showcase archived newspaper cuttings, speeches, artistic works and documentaries documenting Dr Kaunda’s role in the liberation of Southern Africa. He noted that the initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate the former president’s legacy for future generations.
“We want to ensure that the story of peace is preserved, celebrated and shared widely so that future generations may draw strength and wisdom from it,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Kaunda’s son, Tilyenji Kaunda, stressed the importance of Africans telling their own stories and documenting their own history.
And Secretary General of the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO, Samson Kantini, said UNESCO’s anniversaries programme recognises significant historical events and influential personalities whose legacies promote international understanding, intercultural dialogue and peace.
Mr Kantini said Dr Kaunda remains one of the most consequential figures in the history of liberation and peace in Africa and beyond, noting that his leadership embodied the ideals of Ubuntu, Pan-African solidarity, non-violence and human dignity.
He added that commemorating the anniversary aligns with UNESCO’s mandate of building peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, communication and information.
The commemorations aim to encourage historical reflection and intergenerational dialogue while celebrating Dr Kaunda’s enduring contribution to peace and unity across the African continent.
