Emulate KK’s selfless patriotism – Chewe
By Thandizo Banda in Kabwe
ZAMBIAN politicians should emulate the late former president Kenneth Kaunda’s selfless patriotism by prioritising the nation over personal interests, former freedom fighters have said.
Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association (ZUNFFA) chairman George Chewe urged Zambiansto remember what Dr Kaunda stood for in the interest of the nation.
Chewe was speaking in an exclusive interview with The Mast ahead of Kenneth Kaunda Day which falls on April 28.
Dr Kaunda, a celebrated regional and Pan African liberation struggle icon, died on June 17, 2021 at the military’s Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka at the age of 97. His state funeral, attended by world leaders and a cross-section of invited mourners, took place on July 2, 2021 at the Lusaka Show Grounds at the height of the Covid-10 pandemic.
Chewe urged President Hakainde Hichilema to foster national unity as a way of honouring Dr Kaunda amid rising political tension in the country ahead of next year’s general election.
Chewe, 86, reflected on Dr Kaunda’s legacy, highlighting his role in Zambia’s independence, political stability and efforts to achieve economic prosperity during his 27-year presidency.
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“Today, we remember Dr Kaunda for leading Zambia to independence and uniting the nation under the ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ motto, regardless of tribal differences,” Chewe said at his house in Kabwe’s Bwacha Compound.
He uses a wheelchair for mobility as a result of advanced age.
Chewe urged Hichilema to emulate Dr Kaunda’s reconciliatory approach by engaging in dialogue with opposing voices and promoting political harmony in the country.
“The President must embrace the spirit of reconciliation that Kaunda exemplified,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, Chewe, a presidential honoree for his role in the independence struggle dating back to 1956, cited how Dr Kaunda averted tribal divisions in 1967 following a contentious UNIP convention at Mulungushi Rock of Authority.
He also noted how Dr Kaunda was persuaded to withdraw his resignation amid intra-party conflicts in 1968.
Chewe had fond memories of working closely with other prominent freedom fighters and politicians in the liberation struggle such as Doubt Mulenga, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Arthur Wina, Grey Zulu, Julia Mama Chikamoneka, Rupiah Banda, Ben Kapufi, Rasford Nkonde and Henry Shamabanse.
He appealed for reconciliation between Hichilema and former president Edgar Lungu.
Chewe urged the government to release the perceived political prisoners, whose continued detention was fueling public discontent ahead of the elections.
“The President should also address the plight of surviving freedom fighters, many of whom live in poverty,” Chewe said.
