
Zambia commemorated the 100th birthday of their beloved founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, on Sunday. Affectionately known as “KK” or “Super Ken,” Kaunda passed away in 2021 at the age of 97.
Kaunda led Zambia for nearly three decades, from its independence from Britain in 1964 until the introduction of multi-party elections in 1991.
Following his presidency, he became a prominent figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS, earning international acclaim for his advocacy.
A pivotal figure in Pan-Africanism, Kaunda co-founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the current African Union (AU).
Celebrations for the centenary included a ceremony in Kaunda’s birthplace, Chinsali, where President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted Kaunda’s enduring legacy of unity and his continued influence on the nation. Public events like marathons were held, while foreign embassies sent messages of goodwill.
The day also marked the 31st anniversary of a national tragedy – the plane crash off the coast of Gabon that claimed the lives of the entire Zambian national football team.
The team, affectionately known as “KK-11” in tribute to Kaunda’s dedication to sports, continues to be deeply mourned by the nation.