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Nshima & Curry

Melvin's  Blog

Nshima & Curry

THE  MIXED LEGACY OF DR. KAUNDA

When I heard that President Mwanawasa had awarded the Grand
Order of the Eagle of Zambia to first president Kenneth
Kaunda, I had mixed feelings. Part of me thought, "This is
wonderful. KK is a true hero, a man who fought for Zambia's
independence, then helped neighboring countries gain
theirs." Another part thought, "This is ridiculous. KK clung
to power through a one-party system, allowed the economy to
slide halfway down Victoria Falls, and hypnotized us all
with his white handkerchief."

Even as an Ndola schoolboy in the 1970s, I was ambivalent
about the distinguished leader who appeared regularly on my
television set, giving long speeches that, on many
occasions, helped me fall asleep. The speeches often began
like this: "Comrade Chairman ... (five second pause) ....
Prime Minister Chona ... (five second pause) ... honorable
Members of Parliament ... (10 second pause to sip water) ...
distinguished guests and anyone else who's still awake ..."

One evening, after I had dozed off during a KK speech, my
mother turned the TV off and let me sleep through the night.
The next evening, I turned the TV back on and found KK still
speaking.

Say what you will about the man, he had tremendous energy --
and a knack for convincing people in his ideas. When I
learned in school the crucial role KK had played in the
freedom struggle, it didn't surprise me that the British had
been forced out of Zambia. I could easily picture the
British leader saying, "Oh no, we'd better pack up and leave
now. Kaunda is threatening to give another speech."

Though his rule often bordered on tyranny and the general
elections he called were laughable, KK was one of Africa's
true statesmen, more principled than many of his peers. Yes,
even Mobuto Sese Seko and Idi Amin.

KK could have traded with South Africa and alleviated the
food shortages that plagued Zambia during his tenure, but he
was determined to maintain an anti-apartheid stance. If
Zambians had to suffer, then that's what they would do.
There were times when you couldn't find certain foods
anywhere in the country, except perhaps in the State House
pantry.

While I respected some of KK's ideals, I wasn't keen on
missing classes every time he visited Ndola. Students from
every school were required to line the streets and welcome
the president, who would invariably be late. After broiling
in the sun for a couple of hours, I would vow not to wave at
KK. But when his motorcade finally swept by and I spotted
his sparkling eyes, gleaming smile, and fluttering
handkerchief, my resolve melted away and I waved and cheered
like he was my long lost grandfather.

That KK is now leading a crusade against AIDS doesn't
surprise me. I'd expect nothing less from a man who has
fought so many battles, vanquished so many foes.

If the AIDS virus is smart, it had better pack up and leave.
KK may give another speech.

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