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Kenneth KaundaPresident of Zambia, teacher.
Date of Birth: 28.04.1924
Country:  Zambia |
Content:
Biography of Kenneth Kaunda
Kenneth David Kaunda, commonly known as Kenneth Kaunda, was a Zambian politician and statesman. He was born on April 28, 1924, in Lubwa Mission, a Scottish Presbyterian Church mission in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Kaunda belonged to the Tonga ethnic group.
Early Life and Education
Kaunda completed his primary education in Lubwa and his secondary education in Lusaka. From 1943 to 1949, he worked as a teacher and a civil servant in Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Tanganyika.
Political Career
In 1952, Kaunda became the leader of the African National Congress of Northern Rhodesia in the Northern Province. He later led the formation of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) in 1958, after the ANC was banned by the government. Kaunda was arrested following the ban but was released and elected as the president of UNIP.
In 1963, Kaunda led Northern Rhodesia to independence and became the first president of the newly independent Republic of Zambia in October 1964. During his presidency, a new constitution was adopted in 1973, establishing a one-party system in the country.
Kaunda developed the philosophy of "Zambian humanism," which aimed to build a society based on social justice and the traditional African values of mutual assistance. His government pursued an anti-imperialist and anti-colonial policy and strengthened friendly relations with the Soviet Union. Kaunda also opposed the apartheid regime in South Africa and supported the rise of anti-colonial movements in Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia.
Despite belonging to the Tonga ethnic group, Kaunda managed to maintain ethnic and political stability in Zambia, where the majority of the population belonged to the Bemba ethnic group. He peacefully handed over power after 27 years as president, voluntarily stepping down in 1991.
Later Years
After leaving the presidency, Kaunda retired from active politics but remained involved in civil society. He returned to politics in 1995 as the leader of UNIP and was a key opponent of Frederick Chiluba in the 1996 election. However, he was barred from running for president in the same election due to a constitutional amendment that prevented Zambians with foreign ancestry from contesting the presidency.
In 2000, Kaunda stepped down as the leader of UNIP and retired from politics. He continued his active involvement in society, heading the Kenneth Kaunda Peace and Democracy Institute and the African Child Foundation. He also participated in international peacekeeping efforts, such as being a UN observer in Iraq in 2003.
Throughout his life, Kaunda received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to Zambia and Africa. He was married to Betty Kaunda, and together they raised ten children. Despite facing criticism and challenges throughout his political career, Kaunda's leadership and commitment to social justice have left a lasting impact on Zambia and the African continent.
