VETERAN politician Vernon Mwaanga has described late acclaimed freedom fighter Simon Zukas as a selfless person who had a passion for service to country and not to self.

And President Hakainde Hichilema says late Zukas belongs to a generation of selfless Zambian patriots who sacrificed and put their lives on the line in order to liberate the country.

In a statement, Tuesday, Mwaanga stated that he was shocked and saddened by Zukas’ death.

He further stated that no history of Zambia would be written without providing generous space for the late freedom icon.

“I am shocked and saddened by the death of Simon Zukas, whose contribution to the liberation of Zambia, can only at best be equalled, but certainly not surpassed. From his early days as an engineering student at the University of Capetown, in South Africa, he was an advocate of freedom and independence for Zambia. Upon his return to Zambia, the British Government regarded him as a dangerous “nuisance” and forcibly deported him to the United Kingdom. This did not dampen his spirit. In fact it re-energised him. Working with the then representatives of UNIP, Mainza Chona and later Bitwell Kuwani, he continued speaking out against colonialism and lobbying British Members of Parliament, pressuring them to support independence for Northern Rhodesia, as well as for the break-up of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which was imposed on the black majority in 1953 by the British Government,” stated Mwaanga.

“I first met Simon Zukas and his wife Cynthia, in London early in 1963. We had a very long educative discussion. After independence in October, 1964, one of the first decisions made by President Kenneth Kaunda, was to invite Simon Zukas and his family to immediately return to Zambia. I interacted with him on many occasions. We worked together to remove UNIP from power in 1991, after he contested and won a Parliamentary Seat in Western Province in the October elections of October, 1991. He was appointed into Cabinet by President Frederick Chiluba, where we served together. Simon Zukas was hard working, spoke his mind all the time and was typical example of a selfless person, who had a passion for service to country and not to self. No history of Zambia will be written, without providing generous space for this great icon. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Cynthia, who stood by him in good and bad times. May the Lord receive him and grant this icon, everlasting peace.”

Meanwhile, in a statement shared on his Facebook page, President Hichilema conveyed his condolences to the entire Zukas family.

He recalled how late Zukas visited him at State House two weeks ago under OCIDA, an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for which he was Chairman.

“I have learnt with deep sorrow the passing on of Simon Ber Zukas who died peacefully at his Woodlands home in Lusaka, last evening. Late Zukas distinguished himself as an uncompromising freedom fighter, and one of the few white men who stood on the side of Africans against the supremacy of the colonialist through his membership in Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula’s led African National Congress (ANC). He ultimately became one of the heroes of Zambia’s struggle for independence. Two weeks ago, Simon Zukas visited me at State House under the Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for which he was Chairman. Late Zukas belongs to a generation of selfless Zambian patriots who sacrificed and put their lives on the line in order to liberate our country. I wish to convey my sincere condolences to his widow Cynthia and the entire Zukas family over this sad loss. May His Soul Rest In Peace,” said President Hichilema.