Uphold peace, Chilunga advises Zambians

ZAMBIANS must remain peaceful and united and emulate freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of the country, Zambia Freedom Fighters Association representative Mama Betty Chilunga has said.

Speaking during the funeral service of the late freedom fighter Veronica Mumba at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Ms Chilunga said Zambians should supportive of one another and emulate the freedom fighters’ spirit of oneness and sacrifice.

She described Ms Mumba as a strong freedom fighter who contributed greatly to the liberation the country.

Ms Chilunga said Ms Mumba’s death was yet another reminder that the number of freedom fighters was dwindling.

“Mrs Mumba was a strong fighter who stood for this country until it gained independence and she was there during and after independence, still struggling for the freedom of Zambia and her death is a celebration to all the people of Zambia because she was everyone’s mother,” she said.

She said Ms Mumba was a member of the Central Committee in the United National Independence Party (UNIP) government and was honoured for her role in the liberation struggle.

And veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has described Mrs Mumba as a brave leader who played a role with other freedom fighters to declare a Chachacha movement, which was a master plan for Zambia’s independence.

He said the death of Ms Mumba was a loss to the nation as she contributed massively to the independence struggle of the country.

Dr Mwaanga said Mrs Mumba was a humble person who devoted her life to raising children at a difficult time during Zambia’s struggle for independence.

And the family has thanked the government and President Lungu for the support and help they rendered during the time of mourning.

Ms Chilunga also thanked President Edgar Lungu for his passion and support to freedom fighters in the country.

Ms Mumba, 92, the widow of the freedom fighter Omelo Mumba, died on Thursday at her daughter’s house on Bwinjimfumu Road in Rhodes Park, Lusaka and will be buried in Petauke in Eastern province.

Ms Mumba leaves behind seven children and 24 grandchildren.