Kenneth Kaunda celebrates 87th birthday
By Bright Mukwasa
Tue 17 May 2011, 04:00 CAT
BIRTHDAY parties in most parts of the world come with grandeur and glamour. It is a time when people get together to celebrate life with food, drink and music.
For other sections of society, it gets worse. Everything, including minute details, is an ostentatious display of wealth. Such lavish events are talked about long after they have passed.
Zambia’s Dr Kenneth Kaunda celebrated his 87th birthday on April 28. Unlike the pomp that should surround such a day, Dr Kaunda’s low-key event was organised at his pre-independence house number 394 in Lusaka’s Chilenje area. It is at this event that his statue was unveiled.
Dr Kaunda was born in 1924. He was Zambia’s first president and he played a big role in its liberation as well as that of southern Africa. Until he left office in 1991, he maintained his position as the leader of a ‘buffer’ country between white-ruled states in southern Africa and hostile, independent black-ruled states to the north.
His birthday party could have been bigger but for some reason, this was just a usual case of letting the country’s history follow the same path that other treasured chapters have traversed en route to oblivion.
One needs to be magnanimous to take time and explain the history behind house number 394.
The house that is fondly referred to as old State House strikes different chords and means a lot to the people who surround it and those who slept in it.
The house is located about six kilometres from Lusaka city centre.
A stroll into the yard lands you into Dr Kaunda’s copper-plated statue perched just at the entrance, with a trademark white handkerchief gripped in its right hand.
A walk closer to the house gives you a feeling of how well the people responsible for it have tried to keep it tidy and unblemished.
To your right there is parked the partially burnt old green Land Rover which was used by Dr Kaunda during the struggle for Zambia’s independence. According to literature:
“The vehicle was a common spectacle to many and the sound of its engine a melodious tune to thousands of supporters who fondly nicknamed it ‘Mama UNIP”.
Inside the house there is an array of collections of utensils used by the Kaundas. The kitchenware and stove which Mama Betty Kaunda used to prepare meals for her family and the people who visited them are properly kept in the house.
The house also has literature on the independence struggle, including party constitutions and Dr Kaunda’s letters.
In what used to be the main bedroom, one sees a bed neatly spread with a white and maroon striped blanket and a wooden wardrobe with a classic leather coat hanging inside.
There are pictures of prominent pre-independence events hanging on the wall.
During the birthday celebrations, people had gathered in the morning to witness the Octogenarian sing songs of glory for his long days. The yard was filled with people from the neighbourhood, the Church, the diplomatic corps, Prliamentarians and members of his party UNIP. There was no representation from the government and there was a hoax earlier that the unveiling of the statue had been cancelled.
Dr Kaunda did not hide his displeasure as this was supposed to be a non-partisan celebration.
"Let me apologise for the absence of my girl Betty, sorry for amai minister Catherine Namugala, president Sata. I think we have been told the reasons why they are not here. Let’s learn from that," Dr Kaunda said.
Kabwata PF parliamentarian Given Lubinda initially told the gathering that the government could not turn up because Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata was going to attend the same event.
“Namugala said she will not be here if president Sata will be here. I am extremely sad, Mr President,” Lubinda said amid shouts of “shame” from the audience.
However, Lubinda said Sata opted to stay away from the event for fear of spoiling the party following tourism minister Namugala’s reservations.
Aside from the politics, the event was well attended. The celebration was characterised by music and dance.
The singing was complemented by Dr Kaunda who asked for a guitar and sang one of his favourite songs for his “girl”, Betty.
Two of his children - Chaswe and Tilyenji - attended the celebrations.
In an interview later, Tilyenji said visiting his former home evoked pleasant memories.
“This place has fond meaning to me. I attach great relevance to it,” said Tilyenji the UNIP president.
Chaswe, who was overwhelmed with excitement, thanked the organisers of the event.
“Thank you for the respect you have shown my father. It’s good to honour someone while they are alive to see it. On behalf of ba tata, thank you very much,” Chaswe said.
Chaswe said she treasured the place that her family lived in before she was born.
Lubinda said his constituency decided to honour Dr Kaunda based on his humility, sacrifice and contribution to the struggle for independence.
Lubinda said the team also promised to erect monuments at Lubwa mission in his honour.
Dr Kaunda lived and directed the independence struggle from the Chilenje House between January 1960 and December 1962.
Some of the major events he directed whilst at 394 were the Constitutional Conference of 1960, Cha Cha Cha Campaign and the election of 1962
Labels: BIRTHDAYS, GIVEN LUBINDA, KENNETH KAUNDA, PF, UNIP
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Government officials shuns KK’s day
By Bright Mukwasa
Fri 29 Apr. 2011, 04:01 CAT
THE government yesterday shunned birthday celebrations and the unveiling of Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s statue at his pre-independence house in Chilenje, Lusaka.
And Dr Kaunda expressed sadness at the news that both Patriotic Front president Michael Sata and tourism minister Catherine Namugala could not turn up for his birthday.
The unveiling of the monument at his former house, 394 Chilenje, was supposed to be graced by Catherine Namugala.
Kabwata PF member of parliament Given Lubinda said he was informed that Namugala was not going to attend the event because Michael Sata would be in attendance.
Lubinda, who apologised to Dr Kaunda, told Chilenje residents who had gathered to witness the event that initially there had been a hoax circulating that the unveiling of the statue had been cancelled, without disclosing its source.
Lubinda expressed sadness at the absence of the two leaders at the event.
“Namugala said she will not be here if president Sata will be here. I am extremely sad, Mr. President,” Lubinda said amid shouts of shame from the audience.
He said Sata opted to stay away from the event so that he doesn’t spoil the party following Namugala’s reservations.
“Let me apologise for the absence of president Sata and let me also apologise for the absence of the minister Namugala. Indeed, I apologise for the the two leaders Sir," he said.
Lubinda said it was sad political frictions were extending to non-partisan functions like the birthday of Dr Kaunda.
He said Sata had directed Lubinda to let the event continue as Dr Kaunda was bigger than the individuals involved owing to his sacrifice for the country’s struggle for independence.
Lubinda said Dr Kaunda would be remembered for his humility.
And Dr Kaunda expressed sadness at the news that both Sata and Namugala could not turn up for his birthday.
Dr Kaunda called on Zambians to embrace the philosophy of “One Zambia, One Nation”.
He apologised that his wife, Betty, could not attend the event.
“Let me apologise for the absence of my girl (Betty), sorry for amai minister Catherine Namugala, president Sata. I think we have been told the reasons why they are not here, let’s learn from that,” Dr Kaunda said.
Dr Kaunda called on Zambians to obey the law of God and to love one another regardless of tribe, race or religion.
“We must continue to build Zambia on the ‘One Zambia One Nation’, on that basis, without that there is no hope for us. Let us remember that it’s not tribe that’s important,” he said.
Dr Kaunda said Zambians ought to love each other as they just emerged from reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter) whose life they must emulate.
Meanwhile, Dr Kaunda says Zambia needs peace even through this year’s elections.
In an interview on Wednesday prior to his 87th birthday which fell yesterday, Dr Kaunda called on Zambians to bear in mind the philosophy behind the struggle for independence.
“We want our people to maintain our peace in Zambia. Even during this election we need that peace,” Dr Kaunda said.
He challenged youths to be more patriotic and take part in efforts to propel the country to economic prosperity.
“The most important thing is to follow the teaching of God your creator and follow His laws. There is peace in following that and in disobeying them there’s death,” he said.
Dr Kaunda advised Zambians to follow the Bible teaching of the Golden Rule of “do unto others as you would like them do unto you”.
And Dr Kaunda, who attended South Africa’s Freedom Day on Wednesday, urged South African President Jacob Zuma and his government to remember the purpose for the struggle of that country’s independence.
He said South Africa was the most oppressed during the apartheid era and he was glad that Africa had joined together to clamp down on that brutality.
Dr Kaunda said he was glad that South Africans were getting over the oppression of apartheid.
Labels: BIRTHDAYS, CATHERINE NAMUGALA, GIVEN LUBINDA, KENNETH KAUNDA
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Mugabe: Zim a 'flying nation'
by Lebo Nkatazo
23/02/2010 00:00:00
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe said Zimbabwe should be a “flying nation” after his staff presented him a sculpture of an eagle to mark his 86th birthday on Monday. The sculpture shows an eagle clutching a fish with its claws. The sculpture has the words “Symbol of strength, courage and power” engraved on its base.
Mugabe said: “It has been a gift in style full of motion, one that is not static, it is a flying bird. We should be a flying nation, flying people with aspirations to fly higher.”
Mugabe said the unity shown by his staff over the years “should permeate all sections of society” to spur social and economic development, the state news agency New Ziana quoted him as saying.
He added: “As I have been moving from one year to another, what has impressed me is the unity and love that has characterised my relations with all those I have had the opportunity to work with.
“The cordial relations and unity evident in his office should cascade to all sectors. This achievement should become a tradition not just in our office but in all other offices, in the party (Zanu PF) and the government.
“We are united in purpose and united in action.”
Mugabe marked his 86th birthday on February 21 by attending a bash organised in his honour at the Chinese embassy.
The President’s supporters are organising a party to celebrate his birthday in Bulawayo for Saturday.
Labels: BIRTHDAYS, MUGABE
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I feel like a child, says Rupiah as he celebrates 73rd birthday
By Patson Chilemba and Moses Kuwema
Sat 20 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT
President Banda having a piece of cake as Hotel InterContinental general manager Andrew Hosking looks on during his 73rd birthday celebrations organised by State House staff in Lusaka yesterday - Picture by Thomas Nsama
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday said he feels like a child after turning 73. And President Banda received credentials from new Egyptian Ambassador-designate to
Zambia Salah El-Sadek and new Democratic Republic of Congo Ambassador Kaseba Makunko.
During a short birthday celebration organised for him by State House staff, President Banda expressed excitement after turning 73.
"I am surprised that such a big thing can be organised and I don't know about it. All these people knew...meaning that I don't know everything,” President Banda said. “But that made it into a really pleasant surprise. I know you think 'he is 73 years old, he doesn't get excited'. I feel like a child. I am really excited to see so many people, all of them to come and wish me a happy birthday on this my 73rd birthday."
President Banda said without the staff, even the few achievements the country had made could not have been achieved.
"I am successful because of every Zambian who has stood side by side with each other to support the efforts that we are trying to make as a government. It is a very difficult period we are going through, but it looks like God is showing us the way," President Banda said. "Our economy has come back on path, we have good rains outside and from the estimates that I am getting, we may have very good crops ahead of us. And we have peace out there."
President Banda promised to continue doing his best to improve the nation.
"Let us continue to work together all of us, continue to bring cakes, thank you," he said.
The President was presented with a birthday cake by the State House staff.
And receiving credentials from Ambassador Makunko, President Banda said relations between Zambia and DR Congo had a long history and remained warm and cordial. He said under the framework of the Joint Permanent Commission of Co-operation (JPC), established in 1982, the cooperation between the two countries was reflected in various sectors including trade and industry, finance, transport, communication, energy, immigration and border security.
President Banda said DRC was a very important member of the international community as well as the African community and that the developments in that country had a direct bearing globally and regionally.
President Banda commended the government and people of DRC for working towards consolidating peace, stability and national development, particularly in Eastern Congo and the great lakes region.
He said as current chairman of the International Conference on the Great Lakes region, he pledged to support the promotion of peace, security, good governance and the observance of human rights in the region.
President Banda applauded the new relations, which had been fostered between the DRC and Rwanda.
Ambassador Makunko hailed the constant position of DRC as second economic partner to Zambia in Africa and fourth in the world, specifically in as far as exportation was concerned.
He said similar efforts on the fight against corruption were being undertaken by the Congolese government. Ambassador Makunko said this had resulted in the restoration of donor trust.
And receiving credentials from Ambassador El-Sadek, President Banda congratulated Egypt for the historic victory during the just-ended Africa Cup of Nations.
He also acknowledged the technical assistance Egypt provided especially in the education and heath sectors.
President Banda welcomed the growing Egyptian investment in Zambia and that trade between the two countries had increased in the last few years.
Ambassador El-Sadek said it was time for Africa to play its critical role in the historic process by modernising its stand economically and politically.
He said by the united and coordinated efforts of Zambia and Egypt, the aims and objectives of COMESA could become a reality to obtain a sustainable growth and development of the member states in order to enhance economic growth in the region, and to maintain common positions in the international fora.
Ambassador El-Sadek said Egypt's vast experience in numerous areas could be of importance to Zambia's development.
And on Thursday, President Banda said he was an old orphan and this was painful to him.
During the luncheon hosted for M-Net Face of Africa winner Lukundo Nalungwe at State House, President Banda said it was still painful to be an orphan even at his age.
“When I looked at you Lukundo and asked 'is your mother here?' You said 'no my mother is not here'. I said 'where is your father?' And you said 'they both passed away…' So she is an orphan like me except I am an old orphan,” President Banda said. “She is a young orphan but still very painful and please remember you have got your family, your sisters and other members of the family and you are carrying their name and their reputation.”
President Banda also said he just realised that first lady Thandiwe and Lukundo were from the same village.
“I just want to say I found out today that my wife and the young lady Lukundo come from the same place so those of you who are looking for wives, perhaps that's where you should check from…there are some beautiful women there,” he said.
“I think what we have seen today that one of our own children could stand up before the whole of Africa, and you know Africa has very beautiful women everywhere, but the judges… independent judges gave it to Zambia. I have no doubt chatting with her and listening to her as we sat this afternoon that she will go a long way…she is indeed beautiful, not just by looks,” he said.
President Banda advised Lukundo to take time and seek advice on how she would invest her prize money.
“We are going to take your number, my wife will keep your number, get my wife's number. Wherever you are, if you have a problem… you are a VIP in Zambia just call us and we shall see what help we can give you.”
At the same function, Thandiwe hoped Lukundo would be able to serve as a true Zambian and African ambassador who would be expected to inspire other Africans, especially young women, to aspire for higher goals using the 'never say die spirit'.
Labels: BIRTHDAYS, RUPIAH BANDA
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Rupiah turns 72
Written by Katwishi Bwalya
Friday, February 20, 2009 6:34:49 PM
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday celebrated his 72nd birthday at State House where members of staff presented him with birthday cakes and gifts during a brief ceremony in his honour.
According to a statement released by the President's Chief Analyst for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere, the ceremony was organised by Presidential Affairs minister Gabriel Namulambe and State House staff. President Banda said he was touched by the gesture of State House staff.
"I am extremely touched and humbled. I did not expect this," President Banda said.
President Banda urged the members of staff to be responsible and look after themselves if they were to live long like him.
And Jere stated that several government officials, church leaders, diplomats and members of the public had sent congratulatory messages to President Banda, wishing him many happy returns.
According to Jere, President Banda spent his birthday working in his office apart from attending a private lunch organised by his family.
Labels: BIRTHDAYS, RUPIAH BANDA
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