19 Jun 2021

 Former President, Dr Festus Mogae has paid tribute to the late founding president of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who died on Thursday.

    In a news release from his office, Dr Mogae said Dr Kaunda’s contribution to the liberation struggle of the sub-Saharan region as a frontline statesman was invaluable.

    Dr Mogae said the late Kaunda dedicated his life and availed his government for the prosperity of the Southern African region during its formative days.

     “It is no small measure that we pay a special tribute to President Kaunda for helping shape the development trajectory of newly independent nations such as our own. Together with his peers at the time, they founded and natured the then regional economic community - SADCC, in which we take pride.”

   The  former president described the late Kaunda as a true source of inspiration, whom he had the privilege of working with on the fight against HIV/AIDS, post their presidency.

    He  leaves behind a rich legacy, which the surviving and future generations will need to emulate and certainly carry it forward, Dr Mogae said.

    Together with his family, Dr Mogae said they joined the Kaunda family, the people of Zambia, the SADC region and the entire African continent in mourning Dr Kaunda, whom  he described as, 'a colossal man, an African giant and father of all'. ends