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By OBAKENG MAJE
Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of the founding president of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Kaunda (97) as an unwavering champion of South Africa’s own liberation.
Ramaphosa said in remembrance of Kaunda who succumbed to pneumonia in hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, on Thursday, South Africa has declared a period of mourning for 10 days with immediate effect.
“Flags will be flown at half-mast at all flag stations. We bow our heads in grief at the passing of a 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 the Republic of Zambia.
“We are united in our sadness with the people of our region and continent, to whom Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership was a source of inspiration and resilience. Kaunda dedicated his 97 long years to the liberation and service of the people of Zambia,” he said.
He said Kaunda devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around the region in their quest for independence and freedom. Ramaphosa further said Kaunda steadfast against the intimidation of the apartheid state and offered Lusaka as the headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) in exile.
“Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth. He stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of our greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of our freedom.
“It was in honour of this remarkable contribution that the South African government bestowed on Kaunda the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in 2002. He was a pioneering champion of a decolonised, united and prosperous Africa. He represented his country and continent with distinction on global platforms,” said Ramaphosa.
He further said today, they recommit themselves to building the Africa of KK’s vision – an Africa of peace, justice, prosperity and innovation. Ramaphosa added that Kaunda was at their side to comfort them when they lost their leaders.
“We remember his moving tribute as we laid Madiba to rest in Qunu. Today, we place ourselves alongside Kenneth Kaunda’s family and the Zambian nation as they mourn this deep loss.
“As the South African nation, we will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe to President Kaunda. Nor will we ever forget that it was with the help of this extraordinary leader’s care and solidarity that our freedom and our democracy was won,” he said.
Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West also shared the same sentiments. SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Kaunda was a revolutionary intellectual, a friend of the South African struggle for liberation and a freedom fighter who sacrificed the economic prosperity of his country when he gave refuge and supported the ANC in exile.
“He belonged to a cohort of visionary founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) that had valued the freedoms of all Africans and strove for the unity of its people. The people of South Africa will forever be indebted to Kaunda for the role he had played and for the invaluable lessons in servant leadership, humility and selfless service he had taught throughout his life.”
Sebegoe said Kaunda was a father, a role model and a friend. He said Kaunda was also a teacher and a repository of great wisdom and insight.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said Zambia and Africa has lost one its most influential and respected leaders. Steenhuisen said Kaunda spent his long life in the dedicated service of his country, first as liberator and then as leader.
“He was the last of a generation that spearheaded the fight for a post-colonial Africa in the mid to late 20th century, showing principled solidarity with his Southern African neighbours in their own struggles.
“Later in life, his campaigning for HIV testing and treatment did much to counter the stigma of the virus and encourage people to know their status and seek treatment. Kaunda leaves behind a significant legacy and an important contribution to the freedom of Zambians. May he rest in peace, and may the people of Zambia find comfort in their time of grieving,” he said.
The Guardian 