South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has sent good wishes to Zambia’s founding president and liberation hero Dr Kenneth Kaunda on his 95th birthday.

In an official message to the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria and also relased to the press, President Ramaphosa said the selfless attributes that Dr Kaunda embodied which propelled him to continue the fight against imperialism, colonialism and apartheid, and his notable heroic sacrifices that contributed to South Africa’s political freedom and the emancipation of other countries in the region and beyond remain to be admired.

He said as South Africa celebrated its 25th year of liberation on April 27, 2019, this significant milestone brought into fore fond recollections of those who contributed to its freedom.

“Well wishes to former President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda on his 95th Birthday. The President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa sent his heartfelt birthday message to the former and first President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda on his 95th birthday, which falls on 28 April. The President paid tribute to Dr Kaunda for the selfless attributes that he embodied which propelled him to continue the fight against imperialism, colonialism and apartheid, his notable heroic sacrifices that contributed to South Africa’s political freedom and the emancipation of other countries in the region and beyond. As South Africa celebrated its 25th year of liberation on 27 April 2019, this significant milestone brought into fore fond recollections of those who contributed to this freedom. High amongst those being the iconic founding father of liberation in the region in the person of Dr Kaunda, whose great leadership and formidable conviction remain a source of inspiration to the current and latter generations to jealously guard this freedom gained through many years of struggle,” read the message delivered by Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko.

“President Ramaphosa further stated that “On behalf of the government of South Africa, the people and indeed on my own behalf, we join you and your family, the people of Zambia, Africa and the world at large, Your Excellency, in celebrating your 95th birthday. We remain indebted to the contributions you made in your lifetime towards the liberation of our country and the SADC region. Please accept my warm personal best wishes for good health and may God Almighty continue to grant you unparalleled longevity.”