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The theme of Zambia@60 is “60 Years Strong: Honoring Our Heritage, Embracing Our Future.”
We invite you to us in this historical celebration. This is your chance to make history and contribute to the national celebrations of our Diamond Jubilee.
The Zambian Diaspora is lining up activities in different States with the mother celebration to be held in Washington, D.C.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will bring Zambians from all walks of life to reflect on the achievements the country has made.
On this special occasion celebrating Zambia’s 60 years of independence, we take a moment to honor and remember the founding father of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. Dr. Kaunda’s vision, leadership, and dedication to his country played a vital role in shaping the nation’s history and paving the way for future generations.
We therefore, celebrate Kaunda@100. Dr. Kaunda was born on April 28, 1924 at Lubwa Mission in Chinsali, Zambia which at the time was known as Northern Rhodesia, a colony of Britain.
He was the eighth child to David and Helen Kaunda. He was named Buchizya, meaning “the unexpected one.” He died at the age of 97 years, on 17th June 2021.
He married Beatrice ‘Betty’ Kaweche Banda and together they had 8 children. He returned to Lubwa in 1943 as an instructor in the local schools. In 1949, however, he became a farmer. Kaunda soon became involved in an emerging nationalist movement, which was called Congress. He formed a branch of the Congress in the Chinsali district, his home region.
Dr. Kaunda is celebrated as a peacemaker for his tireless efforts in promoting harmony and resolution, leaving a lasting legacy of diplomacy and global cooperation. His humanitarian concern was what motivated him to repeatedly intercede as a regional peacemaker.
After her independence, landlocked Zambia actively participated in the liberation wars of her neighboring countries which were involved in bitter civil wars such as Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa until they all attained self-rule.
Dr. Kaunda played a notable role in championing freedom for black people from the white minority rule that dominated Southern Africa. He, without fear, established and financed the African Liberation Centre in Lusaka that supported and housed liberation movements from Southern Africa namely: the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, FRELIMO of Mozambique, South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) of Namibia, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) the Union for the Total Independence of Angolan (UNITA), Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU).
As we reflect on Zambia’s journey since gaining independence, we pay tribute to Dr. Kaunda’s legacy and the values of unity, peace, and progress that he promoted.
May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us as we strive towards a brighter and prosperous future for Zambia.
