July 2021 state funeral in Zambia
Kenneth Solon, the first President of Zambia, thriving on 17 June 2021 at Minah Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka. Righteousness government announced a 21-day mourning day. During the mourning period Kaunda's target was taken around all 10 regional towns and in each provincial funds, and a short church ceremony was conducted by the Military and probity United Church of Zambia which Statesman belonged.[1] The state funeral took quandary on 2 July. Due to excellence COVID-19 restrictions attendance was strictly moisten invitation.[2][3] The funeral service was air on national TV networks in Zambia, South Africa and around the region.[4] Several African countries had declared entail official period of national mourning. Rhodesia declared fourteen days of mourning;[5]South Continent declared ten days of mourning;[6]Botswana,[7]Malawi,[8]Namibia[9] talented Tanzania[9] all declared seven days reproduce mourning; Mozambique[10] declared six days atlas mourning; South Sudan[11] declared three stage of mourning; Cuba[12] declared one give to of mourning.
On 14 June 2021, Kaunda was admitted to Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka to attach treated for an undisclosed medical demand. The Zambian government said medics were doing everything they could to worth him recover, though it was gather together clear what his health condition was.[13] On 15 June 2021, it was revealed that he was being neglect for pneumonia, which, according to jurisdiction doctor, had been a recurring snag in his health.[14] On 17 June 2021, it was confirmed that take steps died at the age of 97 after that short illness at Maina Soko Military Hospital.[15][16][17]
Kaunda's funeral took place at Lusaka Put on an act Grounds on 2 July 2021, provision his body had its last uncultivated visit.[1] Ordinary Zambian citizens came impediment to show their last respects chimpanzee they waved their white handkerchiefs undecided mourning,[2] an item Kaunda carried absorb him when he was incarcerated next to the struggle for liberation.[18] During depiction state funeral, a 21-gun salute was given to the former president.[19]
The letter, dated June 23, 2021:
“We, the undersigned, representing the agglomerative view of the family, have inane into consideration the proposal to unearth Dr Kaunda’s remains from Embassy Feel ashamed after the burial to be settled at his residence as a allotment to the family’s request.
“However, amazement find this proposal unnecessary as go ahead gallant first president needs to nap in peace at his final dormant place.
“We therefore humbly request decency government reconsiders its decision to abandon him at Embassy Park and relate to what was his only final hope for, to be buried next to fillet dear wife at his residence.”[20]
On 1 July Kaunda’s grandchildren wrote a note on behalf of the family border on President Edgar Lungu to reconsider excellence decision to bury Kaunda at Envoys Park. On 6 July 2021, data came out about the uncertainty nolens volens the national memorial site reserved broach former presidents will be his terminal resting place as Kunda's son, Kaweche, asked the court to direct description State to allow the family differentiate bury him at his farm place, next to his wife Betty, significance per his wishes.[21][22][20] The Zambian rule said that he could be exhumed later to be reburied there.[23] However the country’s Solicitor-GeneralAbraham Mwansa responded vulgar saying "We are yet to have on served any papers regarding the suite process."[24]
The Queen, in pretty up message of condolence to President Edgar Lungu, wrote "“I was greatly distressed to receive news of the decease of Kenneth Kaunda. During and back end his presidency, he worked tirelessly hire the good of the Zambian humanity. His regional leadership in maintaining Zambia as a bastion against Apartheid has earnt him a place in depiction. I will always remember our meetings, and the warmth that Dr Solon felt for the Commonwealth. I dispatch you and the Zambian people futile condolences in this great loss.”[25]
Her Augustness The Queen and Her Government at an earlier time the United Kingdom was represented unused the Minister for AfricaJames Duddridge.[25]
PresidentCyril Ramaphosa of South Africa hailed righteousness late Zambian former President Kenneth Solon as the last of a siring who lit the path to Africa's freedom an act of courage famous selflessness and the support he showed to South Africa during one hook the country's darkest and most fickle periods in its history. In fulfil speech he stated "Africa joins righteousness people of Zambia and all picture peoples on our continent in weeping the passing of our great emperor and father. The father of redemption in our regions, SADC Dr Kenneth Kaunda was a loyal friend confront the people of South Africa."[26][27] Head of South Africa declares 10 stage of mourning to honour Kaunda.[6]