Staff Reporter
The President of Zimbabwe and ZANU PF First Secretary, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared three days of mourning the late founding father of Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
“Following the demise of our Region’s last surviving elder Statesman, leader of the Frontline States in the struggle against Colonialism and founding President of the sister Republic of Zambia; the Government of Zimbabwe has decided to declare three days of national mourning in honour of the dear departed for the duration of these three days of mourning which start today (yesterday) Friday 18 June 2021.
“Flags will fly at half mast throughout the country. Government further encourages all religious organisations to pray for the late President and for Father Emmanuel Ribeiro who also passed on yesterday,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa passed his condolence message to the Kaunda family and Zambian people.
"The passing on of this renowned Pan-Africanist and elder Statesman, has robbed the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia and indeed the rest of Africa, of an exemplary father, an astute politician and leader, whose immense contribution to the liberation of Southern African countries from colonial rule is well documented and acknowledged by the international community.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our most sincere condolences to you, and through you to the Kaunda family, the Government and people of Zambia, on this sad loss,” President Mnangagwa said.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF Spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday presented a statement on behalf of the revolutionary Party, ZANU PF on the passing on of the former Zambian president Dr Kenneth Kaunda affectionately known as KK, whom he described as having been a true African icon.
“The demise of former president of Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda has sent shock waves across the continent of Africa and the world at large. KK was a colossal, a true African icon, very principled, a Pan Africanist a fountain of wisdom and a man of courage, perseverance and peace. He hosted a lot of federation movements in Southern Africa, until their respective countries achieved freedom and independence including Zimbabwe.
“All free and peace loving people in Southern Africa and beyond owe KK and the people of Zambia deepest and everlasting gratitude in fact the beaming light of the continent has been extinguished, humanity is in the cold. He has left a legacy of selfless service to mankind. He has departed leaving behind footprints of integrity, compassion and unity of purpose. One is inclined to say he has departed for higher responsibility. Farewel KK,” said Ambassador Moyo.
The late Dr Kaunda passed on yesterday at a hospital in Zambia at the age of 97 years. He was the founding President of Zambia from 1964 up until 1991.
