CBU honour KK

FIRST Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in peace and conflict studies.

And minister of education Dr John Phiri has described Dr Kaunda as a true son of Africa who gave up everything for Zambia and never resisted being investigated even at a time he was accused of having stolen a book from State House after handing over power to the MMD.

Speaking at a special graduation ceremony at the Copperbelt University where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in peace and conflict studies, Dr Kaunda said his deep belief in non-violence approach to issues and to live to serve others with love has had lasting influence on his life.

Dr Kaunda said he expected politicians to be selfless and always work towards serving people while promoting unity and peace.

“My own father was a reverend and my mother was a teacher. They were deeply religious people that had a tremendous influence on me as they preached and talked about peace in their local community and through their mentorship I learnt to abide by the lord’s commandments; 

"love God your creator with all your heart…as how we relate to one another the command says love your neighbor as you love yourself. These commandments are about love, tolerance and understanding of one another in this one world,” Dr Kaunda said. 

“Yes throughout my life, I have lived by these commandments by publicly advocating for the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means. Two of my mentors I followed religiously, Mahatma Gandhi of India and Martin Luther King, a civil rights activist of the US taught the world the power of non-violent approach in conflict resolution.”

Dr Kaunda

Dr Kaunda said the quest for liberty, freedoms and independence was inherent in all human beings adding that during the colonial era in Africa, people from various parts of the continent rose against colonialism and foreign domination.

Dr Kaunda said during colonial days, the independence of Ghana served as an inspiration to many freedom fighters around the continent of Africa that victory and liberation was inevitable no matter how long it would take.

He said the determinations of Africa’s forefathers must inspire the current generation particularly those in politics to live for others and to be highly tolerant.

“Politics is a service, respect others and you must be highly tolerant to each other even those with divergent political views, those that don’t agree with you. It’s through unity and peace that this country will achieve greater things,” Dr Kaunda said.

And education minister Phiri said it was sad that some politicians have failed to live up to the ideals of being in politics to serve.

“This man cut short his term and allowed elections in 1991 that saw the MMD come into government. There are many decisions that he made for the interest of the nation. He was accused of so many things afterwards that he was even investigated over a book and because of his openness he allowed everyone to investigate him..Why are we resisting being investigated today? We need to learn from Dr Kaunda.”

And CBU chancellor professor Muyunda Mwanalushi said the contributions to peace and stability Dr Kaunda made together with his comrades must never be forgotten by anybody.

“During the period of the struggle for independence in Zambia and shortly after independence, KK and his colleagues could have chosen to ‘play it safe’ and not sacrifice their lives but they took the sacrifice and staked Zambia to struggle for the people of Southern Africa. He refused to play it well. He is a great man who has served humanity well,” Prof Mwanalushi said.

Dr Kaunda’s fellow freedom fighters and comrades among them Grey Zulu, Simon Zukas, Tom Mtine, Mama Chibesa Kankasa, General Malimba Masheke, Dr Peter Matoka, Sefelino Bwembya were in attendance.