PASSING OF SIMON ZUKAS

IAM shocked and saddened by the death of Simon Zukas, whose contribution to the liberation of Zambia, can only at best be equalled, but certainly not surpassed.

From his early days as an engineering student at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa, he was an advocate of freedom and independence for Zambia.

Upon his return to Zambia, the British Government regarded him as a dangerous “nuisance” and forcibly deported him to the United Kingdom.

This did not dampen his spirit. In fact, it re-energised him. Working with the then representatives of UNIP, Mainza Chona and later Bitwell Kuwani, he continued speaking out against colonialism and lobbying British Members of Parliament, pressuring them to support independence for Northern Rhodesia, as well as for the break-up of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which was imposed on the black majority in 1953 by the British Government.

I first met Simon Zukas and his wife Cynthia, in London early in 1963. We had very long educative discussions.

After independence in October, 1964, one of the first decisions made by President Kenneth Kaunda, was to invite Simon Zukas and his family to immediately return to Zambia. I interacted with him on many occasions.

We worked together to remove UNIP from power in 1991, after he contested and won a Parliamentary seat in Western Province in the October elections of October, 1991.

He was appointed into Cabinet by President Frederick Chiluba, where we served together. Simon Zukas was hard working, spoke his mind all the time and was typical example of a selfless person, who had a passion for service to country and not to self.

No history of Zambia will be written, without providing generous space for this great icon.

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Cynthia, who stood by him in good and bad times. May the Lord receive him and grant this icon, everlasting peace.

J.