SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
ZAMBIANS and politicians in particular should use the Africa Freedom Day commemoration to promote togetherness among themselves, says former freedom fighter Sikota Wina.
And Mr Wina has advised the people of Zambia not to shun the African Freedom Day celebrations because the event went beyond political affiliations.
He said events such as the African Freedom Day must be valued and respected because they provided a forum for unity and harmony in any country.
In an interview, Mr Sikota has told the Sun that Zambia’s existence had been premised on unity and peace since independence and that the misunderstandings of politicians should not erode this.
He said Zambians could only honor and show appreciation to the fallen and living forefathers that fought for independence by promoting unity among themselves.
Mr Wina implored Zambians to guard jealously and uphold the sanctity of the nation’s freedom attained at great pain by the founding fathers and make Zambia a better place for all.
Mr Wina said freedom must not be taken for granted, urging Zambians to strive hard for peace and unity of the country at all times.
“We can only honor our forefathers who fought for independence by promoting oneness and unity among ourselves as Zambians. Especially politicians, let them use this important event on the African calendar to promote togetherness among themselves.
“Every Zambian has a responsibility to contribute to maintaining peace that the country is enjoying. Attaining freedom was not easy, blood was shed and the greatest way to honour the people who fought hard for this is to remain united and work hard for the development of Zambia,” Mr Wina said.
He reiterated that the African Freedom Day celebration went far beyond political affiliations, stressing that shunning it would not be in the interest of Zambia.
“This is a day when we celebrate our freedom from bondage, and shunning such an event is giving a message that we lack that feeling of being happy that Africa is free from colonialism,” he said.
