Zambia’s first president Dr Kenneth David Kaunda passed away on 17 June 2021 aged 97.
Kenneth , affectionately known as KK started playing a continental role in 1963 when he became President of the Pan-African Freedom movement for East, Central and Southern Africa.
He extended his influence to the global level after Zambia’s independence, serving as chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity from 1970 to 1971 and from 1987 to 1988.
He devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around our region in their quest for independence and freedom.
In 1991, he founded the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Foundation dedicated to the establishment of peace and conflict resolution on the continent. KK, as he is fondly known, now devotes his life in fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Kenneth Kaunda stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of our greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of our freedom.
Kaunda received the 2007 Ubuntu Award. (The aim of the awards is to recognise organisations or individuals who have, through excellence, innovation, creativity, inventiveness, social responsibility or patriotism, distinguished themselves as true ambassadors of South Africa.
Send your message of condolence to condolences@gcis.gov.za
