OCTOBER 24 marked yet another Independence Day, where citizens reflect on the efforts made to attain freedom from the colonial masters, but this year Zambia’s freedom is especially reminiscent due to the ravaging effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Every citizen played a role in ensuring that the Covid-19 numbers were kept under control, but the virus has taken its toll on not only Zambia’s citizens and economy but the whole world.
Under the new normal there is need for each and every citizen to be conscious of the threat of coronavirus, while still endeavouring to keep the economy running.
This year, Zambia celebrates Independence Day under the theme: Zambia at 56: One Land, One Nation – Building Our Future Proud and Free.
This is a call to action to ensure a prosperous future that our forefathers dreamed of
At the stroke of midnight there are usually fireworks to mark the momentous occasion and typically – we revert to the archives and watch old clips of the Freedom fighters.
The difference with this year- of course are the limited numbers of people at gatherings as well as the biting economy that has come with Covid-19.
However we believe that as a people with a common unity of purpose we will achieve stability again.
Tiyende Pamodzi – is on of founding President Kenneth Kaunda’s favourite songs that he has been singing for many years since the struggle for independence and calls for us to have one heart, one spirit, as we work together so that we can develop.
In this light it is encouraging to hear from Dr Kaunda who has called on Zambians in the diaspora to be patriotic.
MESSAGE OF INDEPENDENCE TO THE DIASPORA
Dear fellow Zambians in the Diaspora,
On this occasion of the 56th Independence anniversary, allow me to greet you all in the name of our Creator God Almighty.
I would like to firstly thank His Excellency Dr Edgar C Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia and His Government for leading us through this difficult period during which we are under attack from the Covid-19. It has not been an easy task, and continues to be a challenge not only to us as a Nation, but to the world at large. Let me thank you for this initiative to celebrate the 56th independence Anniversary with us here. It really shows that you have not forgotten where you come from.
Remember to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind; do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us love one another and remember to maintain our Moto – One Zambia, One Nation.
Consequently, let me now take this opportunity to urge you all to remember your history and the sacrifices your fore fathers made to liberate us from the yoke of bondage.
Country men and women, we must bear in mind that freedom is not only about political independence, we must also strive to eliminate ignorance, poverty and disease. To fight these vices, it requires concerted efforts from all well-meaning Zambians.
I wish therefore, to urge all the Zambians in the diaspora particularly yourselves in the United States to contribute positively to the development Zambia and fight all these vices.
All in all, let us maintain the peace that Zambia has been known for throughout the world so that posterity does not judge us harshly.
May the Lord God Almighty, continue to bless and guide you all the way!!
