PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa Mourns Dr. Kaunda

Harare, Friday 25th June, 2021 – His Excellency Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has signed the book of condolences at the Zambian Embassy in Harare in honour of His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, late Founding Father and First President of Zambia.

In his message, the President stated that Dr. Kaunda was an iconic Pan African statesman on the continent who inspired the younger generation in the early 1960s to be patriotic about their countries and to be proud of their heritage.

The President recalled how he joined UNIP in December 1959 as a student at Hodgson College and had a rare opportunity to work closely with Dr. Kaunda until the time he left Zambia and later joined the liberation movements of then Rhodesia.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf and family, I wish to express my deepest grief and sincere condolences on the passing on of my political mentor and leader, the last living Founding Father of the OAU and the Founding Father and First President of the Republic of Zambia Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, “KK”. I am happy that Dr. Kaunda’s last letter to me was written on the 9th June, 2021 calling me “Dear Mr. President and my dear Nephew” just before he went into hospital. I shall forever cherish this particular letter,” the President’s message read in part.

The Head of State noted that for Zimbabweans, Dr. Kaunda stood against the odds of the Ian Smith Regime and South Africa at the cost of the economy of the Republic of Zambia.

The President stated that Dr. Kaunda’s sacrifice resulted in the freedom and independence of several states in southern Africa.

“Zimbabwe has declared 14 days of national mourning in honour of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda our continental Pan Africa icon. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” the President stated.

Dr. Kaunda passed away peacefully on 17th June, 2021 at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka and he will be laid to rest on 7th July, 2021 at the Presidential Burial Site.

Issued by:
Mr. Godwin Phiri
Charge d’Affaires
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Harare
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