Remarks by His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia during his visit to the residence of the Founding Father and first president of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, on Friday, 18th June 2021.

Dearest members of the family, fellow mourners, a dark day has befallen our nation!

Yesterday, we learnt of the passing of our beloved Founding Father, our first President, His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda. On behalf of the government and the people of our great country, please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences.

The untimely passing of Dr Kaunda is a great loss not only to you as his family, but to the entire Nation, the southern African region, the African Continent and indeed the world at large. It is simply not possible to put in words just how we all feel at this time!

Dr Kaunda epitomises the very existence of our Country and of us as a nation. No one can speak about Zambia without recognising the foundational role that he played in our statehood.

We are all well aware that for our founding father, it was not enough for his country, Zambia, to be liberated when the region and the African continent, remained bonded in the shackles of colonialism and apartheid. He soldiered on to seek freedom for humanity.

Today we mourn an iconic pan-Africanist and global statesman, who was selfless, seeing the goodness in others first, before himself. The ideals of humanism, which were founded upon his strong Christian faith and values, defined his leadership qualities and the vision that he embodied for Zambia, the African continent and the world at large.

His exemplary statesmanship, as steadfast and unwavering as he was renowned, gained him International stature as he projected his noble ideals on the international stage while seeking the best for mankind.

To my fellow Zambians, the passing of our beloved KK should ignite in us all, the resolve to hold firmly, to forever embrace the “One Zambia One Nation” slogan, as a basis upon which we forge ahead as a nation, even in these trying times in which we find ourselves.

Let us keep KK alive in our hearts and our deeds. Let the life led by KK shape our destiny and remain indelible in our identity as a people. May the good lord our god bless our country as we mourn this giant, this great son of the African soil!

Join us in celebrating the Wonderful that he led – Share your condolences here.

It is with deep regret and sorrow that is Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, announces to the nation and the international community the passing of our beloved founding Father, icon and global statesman, His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, First President of the Republic of Zambia.

– Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Simon Miti

His Excellency, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia has expressed deep sadness at the death of his Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The President conveys his message of condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom with a deep sense of sorrow on this sad occasion.
“Your Majesty, it is with deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on 9th April 2021. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambian, please accept heartfelt sympathies on this sad occasion,” read part of the President’s condolence message.
The President says the people of Zambia join the United Kingdom and indeed the Commonwealth fraternity in eulogising the Duke of Edinburgh who stood as a firm support to Her Majesty in the service to the people of the United Kingdom and beyond.
President Lungu hails Prince Philip’s remarkable contribution to various sectors including, the environment, industry, sport, and education which touches the lives of millions of the people across the world, and as a patriot, who is his youthful years, contributed to his country’s security when he served in the British Army.
The President says from the many organisations he was Patron to, Prince Philip will be remembered in Zambian for championing many causes including those of young people around the world such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Wildlife Fund.
“It is my firm belief that his memory will live on through the values he shares in the various organisations he led. Your Majesty, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers,” the President said.

It is my firm belief that his memory will live on through the values he shares in the various organisations he led. Your Majesty, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.

– President Lungu

A subdued but non-the-less much enjoyed set of indpendence day celebrations enjoyed in Zambia and the UK.