Leaders should protect KK legacy of unity, selflessness
ZAMBIA celebrated Kenneth Kaunda Day yesterday in remembrance of our founding father, who ruled Zambia for 27 years from 1964 – the year the country earned independence from British rule – to 1991. The legacy of Dr Kaunda, who is fondly remembered as KK, must be honoured by leaders of all ages to foster love and unity in the country.
As Dr Fred M’membe, the president of the Socialist Party, has said Comrade Kaunda’s life was inextricably linked to the history of our country. The freedom and dignity we value today were made possible by his leadership and the sacrifices he made during Zambia’s independence movement. We wholeheartedly agree with Dr M’membe’s views.
It is important to refer to history and to learn from it. Those who were present at the time may recall that the KK-led post-colonial Zambian administration had challenges uniting the country’s 73 ethnic groupings and tribes. KK and his fellow leaders knew that if the country remained divided, social cohesion and national progress would remain a pipe dream, which would hamper economic development.
The national motto ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ was coined by KK and his fellow leaders in response to the growing ethnic tensions and differences that continued to pose a serious threat to the country’s progress and unity. This was a purposeful legacy that stopped ethnic domination in Zambian society’s social, political and economic sphere. KK put in a lot of effort and was successful in this area because the nation was united and there was no tribal rhetoric, unlike what we regrettably see today.
KK supported equal opportunities for all Zambians, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or religion thanks to his fervent humanism philosophy. As an ideology humanism promoted unity of purpose, addressed ethnic divisions and promoted social cohesion.
It is regrettable that 60 years after independence, our leaders, both past and current, have allowed tribal differences to resurface. In this sense, our leaders have let us down because these divisions have returned under their watch.
Our politicians and other key stakeholders have allowed the tribal divisions that KK effectively managed in the post-independence era to resurface in modern day Zambia.
It is no longer a secret that Zambians are more divided than ever along political and ethnic lines.
We share the sentiments of Howard Kunda, the president of the Zambia Wake Up Party (ZAWAPA) that President Hakainde Hichilema and his New Dawn government should seriously reflect on KK’s legacy.
“These [UPND] people found Zambia’s motto of ‘One Zambia One Nation’ intact, but what do we see today? A disintegrated society. A broken society. A divided people. A people that cannot work together or live together. This is where Hichilema has led us to and he has to be kicked out of government so that we start all over again,” Kunda said.
He appealed to Hichilema to seriously reflect on Dr Kunda’s legacy.
“Our founding father, Dr Kaunda, did a lot to unite this country. He was selfless, visionary and wanted Zambia to be a better place for all. And this is what President Hichilema should reflect about.”
Kunda said Hichilema and his failed UPND government had destroyed Dr Kaunda’s legacy, the motto ‘One Zambia One Nation’.
We agree with his call. It is important for past and present leaders, including those who are aspiring for leadership now, to protect KK’s legacy of unity and selfless leadership. They should not allow tribal visions and poverty among the people to continue.
We believe that the country can only achieve meaningful development when its citizens are united, and this is only possible when opportunities are given to all regardless of political affiliation and tribe. Our leaders should reflect on KK’s legacy and they ask themselves if their actions would please our departed statesman if he was alive today.
