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Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

Zimbabwe Ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, yesterday signed the book of condolences in memory of the country’s founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda who died last Thursday aged 97.

Together with other diplomats, she visited the residence of the late former president to pay their last respects.

In her message, Ambassador Charamba extended condolences to the Kaunda family, Zambian President Edgar Lungu, and the people of Zambia on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.

She paid tribute to the late Dr Kaunda  acknowledging the support and sacrifice that Zambia made to ensure that Zimbabwe and other countries in the region attained independence.

Zambia’s founding father who ruled from 1964 to 1991, died at a hospital in Lusaka where he was being treated for pneumonia.

He was among the last giants of Pan-Africanists at the forefront of fighting colonialism in Africa. 

His death triggered an outpouring of grief from across the globe. Zambia declared 21 days of mourning for the liberation icon, while other SADC states, have also declared days of mourning for the man affectionately known as KK.

On its part, and in recognition of the role that Dr Kaunda played in the attainment of independence, Zimbabwe declared 14 days of mourning for the late Pan-Africanist.

The Zambian embassy in Zimbabwe has since opened a book of condolences for Dr Kaunda.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Zimbabwe wishes to inform that a book of condolences for Zambia’s beloved founding father, icon and global statesman His Excellency, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, first president of the Republic of Zambia who died on June 17, 2021 will be open for signing at the embassy starting on Monday June 21, 2021 from 9am to 4pm for 21 days.”