- Late former President championed rights of workers
MARY LEMBA
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has described Zambia’s second head of State Frederick Chiluba as a fearless champion of workers’ rights and multi-party democracy whose legacy continues to inspire the country’s democratic journey.
In a speech read for him by Vice-President Mutale Nalumango during the 15th memorial service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross yesterday, President Hichilema said Dr Chiluba dedicated his life to serving the nation as a trade unionist, politician and head of State.
The President said Dr Chiluba’s determination to fight for the country’s return to multi-party democracy transformed Zambia’s political landscape and laid the foundation for the democratic dispensation the country enjoys today.
He said the former head of State is also remembered for empowering citizens through various initiatives, such as housing, transport and support for small businesses.
“Many remember Dr Chiluba as a President who, in his early years as a trade unionist, was fearless and championed the rights of workers,” Mr Hichilema said.
“Dr Chiluba is remembered by many as a man whose determination to fight for the country’s return to multi-party democracy changed the political landscape of our country.” He also assured the Chiluba family of Government’s continued prayers as they commemorate 15 years since the former President’s death.
Dr Chiluba’s daughter, Huldah, described her father as a leader who believed in service, peace and unity, saying his greatest legacy was the hope he gave the nation.
“I stand before you today not just as a daughter, but as a keeper of a story that belongs to all of us. A story of a man, a movement, and my father, Dr Frederick Chiluba, Zambia’s second President,” she said.
Ms Chiluba said her father believed no political difference was worth spilling of blood and always encouraged Zambians to live together in peace despite having divergent political views.
