Five former African Heads of States are expected to visit first Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda on April 28 to mark his 95th birthday celebrations.

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba has described the visit as historic and a symbolic recognition of Dr Kaunda’s great contributions to the liberation of southern Africa.

According to a statement issued by the First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa Naomi Nyawali, Tuesday, the five former African Heads of States include: Joacqim Chisano of Mozambique; Dr Bakili Muluzi of Malawi; Ali Hassan Mwiinyi of Tanzania; Festus Mogae of Botswana and their Namibian counterpart Hifkipunye Pohamba.

Nyawali stated that the former president of Mozambique would lead the delegation, which was expected in the country on April 28.

“The five, who are part of the African Forum delegation, confirmed the visit to the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. Former president of the Republic of Mozambique His Excellency Joacqim Chisano, who is the current chairperson of the Forum, will lead the delegation to visit Dr Kaunda. Other delegation members include former Malawian president His Excellency Dr. Bakili Muluzi and former president of the United Republic of Tanzania His Excellency Ali Hassan Mwiinyi,” Nyawali stated.

“Former president of the Republic of Botswana His Excellency Festus Mogae and his Namibian counterpart His Excellency Hifkipunye Pohamba who have been listed as part of the delegation. The delegation is expected to be in Zambia on April 28 as part of the people that will celebrate the 95th birthday of the political liberation leader.”

Nyawali observed that this was the first time that a delegation of former Heads of States would be visiting Dr Kaunda to mark his birthday celebrations.

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba said Dr Kaunda worked hard to contribute to the liberation of Africa as a whole.

“It is pleasing to Zambia as a country to have such visits, especially to Dr Kaunda, who has been recognised internationally as a major contributor to Africa’s liberation from colonialism,” said Mwamba.