Africans should celebrate the legacy of former President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia by building upon the foundations of solidarity, freedom and peace which he fought for, President Hage Geingob has said.

Kaunda died on 17 June 2021 at the age of 97.

In his statement delivered at the state funeral in Lusaka on Friday, and availed to Nampa, Geingob said Africans should not only celebrate Kaunda’s legacy, but vow to live it and be inspired by his life’s work.

“Comrade Kaunda, although we will miss your physical presence, your counsel and advice will continue to guide us to, as you said in your own words, continuously advance and inculcate the ideals of Pan-Africanism in all Africans, both on the continent and around the world, young and old… to keep the Pan-African dream alive, for all Africans,” said Geingob.

The Namibian Head of State said Kaunda was one of the founding fathers of African independence and has left an indelible footprint on the continent.

Geingob further noted that under Kaunda’s leadership Zambia hosted and extended support to many African national movements, including the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), now Swapo party.

Equally, Kaunda allowed the United Nations Council for Namibia to establish the United Nations Institute for Namibia (UNIN), which he inaugurated in Lusaka on 26 August 1976.

Geingob said UNIN trained thousands of Namibians in preparation for Namibia’s independence to take charge and manage the affairs of an independent Namibian government.

“I consider Comrade Kaunda as my political father to whom I was introduced by another one of Africa’s extraordinary personalities, Comrade Sam Nujoma. To the fraternal people of Zambia, we the people of Namibia offer our sincerest condolences to you on the loss of this great Pan-Africanist and beloved son of Africa,” Geingob said.

Kaunda will be buried at Zambia’s presidential burial site on 07 July 2021.

Source: Namibia Press Agency