[WATCH] Kaunda devoted to independence and freedom, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded late Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda for the role he played in the anti-apartheid movement.
Ramaphosa joined African leaders in paying tribute to Kaunda following his death.
Kaunda passed away on Thursday at the age of 97.
He was admitted to the hospital on Monday for pneumonia.
Kaunda ruled for 27 years and was one of the last remaining African liberation heroes.
He became the first foreign head of state to be visited by South African liberation icon Nelson Mandela on his release from prison in 1990.
The South African government has declared a 10 day period of mourning.
“We are united in our sadness with the Kaunda family and the government and people of the Republic of Zambia. We are united in our sadness with the people of our region and continent, to whom Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership was a source of inspiration and resilience,” Ramaphosa said.
“He devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around our region in their quest for independence and freedom.”
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On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Kaunda Family and the government and people of the Republic of Zambia.#RIPKK pic.twitter.com/iI8SGLoNYG
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 17, 2021
