President Edgar Lungu has described freedom fighter Salome Kapwepwe as a heroine who selflessly and significantly contributed to the country’s liberation struggle.

Mourning the death of former Vice- President Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe’s widow in a statement issued by his special assistant Amos Chanda, President Lungu said Zambia had lost a great icon who was an epitome of what women ought to be to their families, society and the nation as a whole.

He said without Salome’s immense sacrifice in coordination with other women, it would have been difficult for the country to gain
independence.

The President observes that Salome and others were great fighters who were team spirited.

“On behalf of the government of the republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the
Kapwepwe family and the people of Chinsali in Muchinga Province on the loss of our great mother whose contribution to Zambia’s liberation struggle will always be cherished. As you go through this trying period, may you find fortitude and comfort in the Almighty God. May the Soul of our great mother, rest in peace,” President Lungu said.

He said she and others laid a firm foundation for strong families and a united Zambia politically anchored on divine principles of love, hard work, peace and unity and hoped that the Zambian youth particularly the young women would emulate this.

He further noted that the late Salome held their families together regardless of the challenging times hence families remained intact resulting in Zambia being peaceful, united and stable after independence.

He recalled his call to the nation in his Africa Freedom Day Address on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television last year under the theme: “Celebrating the Role of Women in the Liberation Struggle,” to pay tribute to the founding mothers who included Salome for their invaluable sacrifices and support during the liberation struggle.

Salome passed away in her sleep last night at the age of 90.