Celebrating Zambia’s legacy of sacrifice and solidarity
The year 2024 is a milestone for Southern Africa. Zambia is marking its diamond jubilee. The land is considered the cradle of liberation in the region. The last to be free was South Africa, 30 years ago. Until 1994, racist rulers like Hendrik Verwoerd, Ian Smith and Frederik de Klerk presided over “colonialism of a special kind”. Today we pause to preserve our liberation heritage for posterity.
Zambia epitomises resilience and sacrifice on the path to decolonisation. Its role – along that of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Tanzania – to back the region’s emancipation is testament to the nation’s support, under the Kenneth David Kaunda’s stewardship, and the dedication of his party. The nation’s support for the oppressed is a defining legacy in Africa’s relentless pursuit of freedom.
‘KK’, as Kaunda was well known, believed that Zambia was not free until the rest of the neighbours were independent. Born 100 years ago, the measured activist-statesman swore by the philosophy and biblical commandments of loving thy neighbour. Such outlook birthed the One Zambia, One Nation motto to cultivate unity in our diversity. Soon, it inspired a contagious slogan, Tiyende pamodzi ndi mtima umodzi. That’s Chinyanja for “Let’s move together in unity”, and is the hallmark of the AU.
Like Botswana and Tanzania, Zambia was a sanctuary for freedom fighters from Angola, Moçambique, Namibia, South Africa and
Zimbabwe. Further, Zambia offered refuge to activists from post-independence Angola, the DRC and Malawi when they suffered crises.
A number of Malawians fleeing Kamuzu Banda’s tyranny found refuge across the border. That includes Dunduzu Chisiza, Orton Chirwa, Vera Chirwa, Kanyama Chiume and Ganje Mhango. Further, Congolese secessionists and freedom fighters alike fled here. The United Nations built in Zambia the Institute for Namibia in exile. The Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania, Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola and others established their offices here. Revolutionaries who lived in exile in Zambia, and Tanzania, include Josina Machel (née Muthemba), Thabo Mbeki and Hage Geingob. Some of them, like Nelson Mandela and Samora
Machel, embarked on their march to freedom via Botswana. Zimbabwe African National Union leader, Herbert Chitepo, was assassinated in Lusaka’s Chilenje by the Rhodesian regime in 1975.
The country’s support transcended refuge provision to extending assistance to activists, establishing operational hubs. Oliver Tambo House in Lusaka was among safe houses in struggle years. Racist regimes responded by cross-border violence. Apartheid-era Pretoria launched cross-border killings on February 1, 1974, by assassinating student leader Onkgopotse Tiro (Gaborone) and Umkhonto we Sizwe founder member John Dube (Lusaka).
In the late-1970s, attacks like Kavalamanja bombings waged by Ian Smith’s regime to extend illegitimate minority rule, and in collusion with Pretoria – the Chambeshi Bridge Bombings, underscored the perils, notably the loss of lives, suffered by Zambia. The steep price the host nation paid included unfair diplomatic pressures. Strains on resources and infrastructure posed significant challenges to the landlocked nation’s own developmental aspirations.
The impact of Zambia’s involvement reverberated across societal domains. Socially, the nation emerged as a symbol of solidarity and Pan-African unity, fostering a profound sense of comradeship among nations united in their quest for independence. Politically, steadfast support contributed to the eventual downfall of apartheid and colonial regimes. Economically, we faced formidable challenges due to sanctions and disruptions – meted out by minority-rule regimes and their Western principals.
The support offered by Zambia turned it into a paragon of dedication among African states. Its historical significance in those revolutions aligns with the Liberation History agenda of the AU and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention Agenda.
The country’s role warrants the advancement of Zambian sites as part of the Southern African
Liberation Routes for several reasons:
The sites mark critical moments and events in the struggle as tangible reminders of the nation’s sacrifices
These sites represent not only Zambia’s involvement but the collective efforts of other nations in the emancipation project
Recognition within the World Heritage Agenda acknowledges the sites’ outstanding universal value and amplifies their importance
● Inclusion in the liberation routes would ensure the preservation and conservation; including educating generations about such history
●Inclusion fosters cooperation and solidarity; sharing of experiences, knowledge, and heritage
●As discussed, advancing these sites aligns with the objectives of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention Agenda. It honours the legacy of the struggle.
●Zambia’s contribution to decolonisation remains indelible in the annals of African history. Its legacy ought to be preserved to inspire generations, embody the unyielding spirit of a nation dedicated to the cause of justice.
To give credit where it is due, Zambia is taking ‘KK’s tribute to the global stage. Last year, UNESCO passed a resolution to approve the country’s proposal for the celebration of anniversaries in 2024-2025 with which the organisation could be associated. The country’s proposal, supported by South Africa and Zimbabwe, is the celebration of 50 years of Kaunda’s contribution to peace. To safeguard that history, relevant institutions must collaborate for preservation and documentation. The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), alongside Zambia National Commission for UNESCO, is well placed to spearhead that process. Sites like Kavalamanja and the Tambo House deserve to be declared World Heritage Sites. Continued regional collaboration will enable future generations to appreciate the history and the power of the spirit of Ubuntu.