The President of Botswana Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared a seven (7) day mourning period in Botswana following the death of the founding President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda, also popularly known as KK.
He also decreed that all flags must fly at half-mast during the mourning period.
In a statement Dr Masisi paid tribute to the late Dr Kaunda’s visit to Bostwana which he said paved way for the excellent relations between Botswana and Zambia this day.
Dr Kaunda who died today aged 97 was the first Head of State to visit Botswana shortly after independence in 1966. His four-day State Visit to Botswana, from May 21st, to May 24th, 1968, ushered in a period of unparalleled excellent bilateral relations between Botswana and Zambia; after Zambia attained its own independence from British colonial rule which saw Dr Kaunda assuming the first presidency of the country in 1964.
He also spoke highly of the role he played in the liberation of most southern african countries.
Dr Kaunda was to rule Zambia until 1991, during which period Dr Kaunda played a pivotal role in the liberation struggles in southern Africa, from racist regimes, after being at the forefront of the struggle for independence in his own country.
It was during Dr Kaunda’s presidency, that bilateral relations between Botswana and Zambia blossomed over the decades, and so did the personal relations between him and the founding President of Botswana Sir Seretse Khama.
Dr Masisi described Dr Kaunda as an iconic statesman of the highest credentials and selfless dedication to the interests of his own country as well as the well being of neighbours and humankind at large.
He described Dr Kaunda as Botswana’s best friend during the worst of times when the country was battling to find itself during the trying times of early independence when it needed friends the most.
President Masisi said the charismatic former President of Zambia is a grave loss to his compatriots and to all peace loving people, in Botswana and elsewhere.
