Angola Commemorates Centenary of Zambia’s First President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda
The Government of the Republic of Angola hosted a colloquium in Luanda to commemorate the centenary of Zambia’s first President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. The event, held on Thursday, 20th June 2024, took place at the Diplomatic Academy Venancio de Maura and was attended by a distinguished assembly of officials and dignitaries.
The commemoration was graced by a representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ambassador António Tete, and featured a speech delivered on his behalf by Maria Auxiliadora Fragoso Ramilo, Secretary of State at the Ministry of External Affairs.
Ambassador Tete’s address highlighted Dr. Kaunda’s significant contributions to Zambia’s liberation and his steadfast support for the Frontline States in their struggle against apartheid. He underscored Zambia’s role under Dr. Kaunda’s leadership in hosting numerous liberation movements, including SWAPO of Namibia and ANC of South Africa, which were pivotal in achieving political independence and ending apartheid.
Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Zambia in Angola, Mrs. Roster Mubita Kapaya, paid tribute to Dr. Kaunda’s unwavering belief that Zambia’s liberation was intertwined with the political freedom of the entire Southern African region.
She recalled Dr. Kaunda’s instrumental role in the Frontline Movement, collaborating with other prominent Southern African leaders to combat colonial rule.
Representing the Kaunda family, Mr. Kaweche Kaunda shared personal insights into the late President’s life, describing how his children had the unique opportunity to engage with him on his vision for a liberated Southern Africa.
Mr. Kaunda called for unity among Zambians, Angolans, and all Africans, emphasizing Dr. Kaunda’s enduring advocacy for human rights and equality.
Mr. Kaunda concluded his remarks with a poignant quote from his father’s famous prayer, “You should love God your creator with all your heart, mind, and soul, and you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The year 2024 marks 100 years since the birth of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, making this commemoration particularly significant. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairman, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, fittingly honoured Dr. Kaunda as an icon of Southern Africa’s liberation.
The event was attended by numerous high-profile officials, including Dr. Manuel Goncalves, Vice Governor for Political and Social Affairs, H.E. Alice Fatima Pinto de Almeida, Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, General Domingos Andre Tchi Kanha, Secretary of State for former Combatants and Veterans of the Fatherland, and former First Lady of the Republic of Angola Mrs. Maria da Silva.
Also present were diplomats accredited to Angola, senior security and government officials, political party representatives, and Zambians residing in Angola.
