State funeral of Kenneth Kaunda

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State funeral of Kenneth Kaunda
Date2 July 2021
Location, Lusaka

Kenneth Kaunda, the first President of Zambia, died on 17 June 2021 at Mina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka. The government announced a 21-day mourning period. During the mourning period Kaunda's body was taken around all 10 provincial towns and in each provincial capital, and a short church ceremony was conducted by the Military and the United Church of Zambia which Kaunda belonged.[1] The state funeral took place on 2 July. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions attendance was strictly by invitation.[2][3] The funeral service was broadcast on national TV networks in Zambia, South Africa and around the region.[4]

Background[]

On 14 June 2021, Kaunda was admitted to Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka to be treated for an undisclosed medical condition. The Zambian government said medics were doing everything they could to help him recover, though it was not clear what his health condition was.[5] On 15 June 2021, it was revealed that he was being treated for pneumonia, which, according to his doctor, had been a recurring problem in his health.[6] On 17 June 2021, it was confirmed that he died at the age of 97 after that short illness at Maina Soko Military Hospital.[7][8][9]

Funeral and burial service[]

Kaunda's funeral took place at Lusaka Show Grounds on 2 July 2021, after his body had its last provincial visit.[1] Ordinary Zambian citizens came out to show their last respects as they waved their white handkerchiefs in mourning,[2] an item Kaunda carried with him when he was incarcerated during the struggle for liberation.[10] During the state funeral, a 21-gun salute was given to the former president.[11]

Reactions[]

The Kaunda family[]

The letter, dated June 23, 2021:

“We, the undersigned, representing the collective view of the family, have taken into consideration the proposal to exhume Dr Kaunda’s remains from Embassy Park after the burial to be relocated at his residence as a compromise to the family’s request.

“However, we find this proposal unnecessary as our gallant first president needs to rest in peace at his final resting place.

“We therefore humbly request the government reconsiders its decision to bury him at Embassy Park and honour what was his only final wish, to be buried next to his dear wife at his residence.”[12]

On 1 July Kaunda’s grandchildren wrote a letter on behalf of the family to President Edgar Lungu to reconsider the decision to bury Kaunda at Embassy Park. On 6 July 2021, news came out about the uncertainty whether the national memorial site reserved for former presidents will be his final resting place as Kunda's son, Kaweche, asked the court to direct the State to allow the family to bury him at his farm residence, next to his wife Betty, as per his wishes.[13][14][12] The Zambian government said that he could be exhumed later to be reburied there.[15] But the country’s Solicitor-General responded by saying "We are yet to be served any papers regarding the court process."[16]

The United Kingdom[]

The Queen, in her message of condolence to President Edgar Lungu, wrote "“I was greatly saddened to receive news of the death of Kenneth Kaunda. During and after his presidency, he worked tirelessly for the good of the Zambian people. His regional leadership in maintaining Zambia as a bastion against Apartheid has earnt him a place in history. I will always remember our meetings, and the warmth that Dr Kaunda felt for the Commonwealth. I send you and the Zambian people my condolences in this great loss.”[17]

Her Majesty The Queen and Her Government and the United Kingdom was represented by the Minister for Africa James Duddridge.[17]

South Africa[]

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa hailed the late Zambian former President Kenneth Kaunda as the last of a generation who lit the path to Africa's freedom an act of courage and selflessness and the support he showed to South Africa during one of the country's darkest and most volatile periods in its history. In his speech he stated "Africa joins the people of Zambia and all the peoples on our continent in mourning the passing of our great leader and father. The father of liberation in our regions, SADC Dr Kenneth Kaunda was a loyal friend of the people of South Africa."[18][19]

Attendee[]

Dignitaries
Country Title Dignitary ref
 Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera [20][21]
 Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi
 Namibia President Hage Geingob
 South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa
 Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa
 Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi
 Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta
 Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo
 Lesotho Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro
 Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini
 Angola Vice-President Bornito de Sousa
Government representatives
Country Title Dignitary ref
 United Kingdom Minister for Africa James Duddridge [21]
Former leaders
Country Title Dignitary ref
 Tanzania 4th President Jakaya Kikwete [20]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b KABWELA, CHANSA (21 June 2021). "Dr. Kaunda to be Interred on July 7". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b "African leaders gather to pay respects to Kenneth Kaunda". ABC News. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Kaunda's funeral under way". SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  4. ^ "UK minister confuses Zambia with Zimbabwe at Kenneth Kaunda funeral". the Guardian. 4 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  5. ^ "Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda, 97, taken to hospital". Reuters. 14 June 2021. Archived from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  6. ^ "Zambia's founding president Kaunda, 97, treated for pneumonia". Reuters. 15 June 2021. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  7. ^ Ch, Bwalya; a (17 June 2021). "BREAKING: Zambian 1st President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has died aged 97". ZambiaNews365.com. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  8. ^ "Zambian 1st President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has died aged 97". News365.co.za. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  9. ^ "Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda dies | eNCA". www.enca.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  10. ^ "Kenneth Kaunda: Memorial held for Zambia's first president". BBC News. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  11. ^ "The last of Africa's founding fathers: Kenneth Kaunda's life and legacy". www.msn.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  12. ^ a b https://www.timeslive.co.za/authors/andisiwe-makinana. "Kaunda's grandkids call for Zambian government to honour statesman's wish to be buried next to his wife". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 9 July 2021. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  13. ^ "Kenneth Kaunda's children sue to stop burial by State". Nation. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  14. ^ "Kenneth Kaunda's Funeral In Limbo As Family Contests Burial Site – Exposed Uganda". Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  15. ^ "Govt plans to bury, exhume and rebury Kenneth Kaunda at a different location". Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  16. ^ "Kenneth Kaunda's children sue to stop burial by State". The East African. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  17. ^ a b "UK's Minister of State for Africa arrives for KK State Funeral". Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  18. ^ Yen.com.gh (8 July 2021). "Kenneth Kaunda Funeral: Cyril Ramaphosa Hails Late Zambian President". Yen.com.gh – Ghana news. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  19. ^ "President Cyril Ramaphosa: Funeral of Dr Kenneth Kaunda | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  20. ^ a b "FOREIGN DIGNITARIES IN FOR KK STATE FUNERAL ~". 2 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Zambians give handkerchief salute to Kenneth Kaunda". Retrieved 9 July 2021.
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