LUSAKA, Thursday, October 23, 2025*
-As Zambia commemorates her 61st Independence Anniversary, we join all citizens in celebrating this historic day that stands as the most significant on our national calendar. Independence Day symbolises our sovereignty, the triumph of the courage of our forefathers, and the enduring spirit of unity and freedom that defines us as a nation.
This day offers us an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers such as Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Mainza Chona, Grey Zulu Mary Fulano, Nalumino Mundia, Fines Bulawayo, Simon Chisha Kalaba, Joesph Kasongo and many others whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the freedom we enjoy today. Their vision of a free, just, and prosperous Zambia must continue to inspire us all.
Independence is not merely a celebration of the past, it is also a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of liberty, democracy, and self-governance for future generations. It is a call to unity, resilience, and faith in our shared destiny under our national motto: One Zambia, One Nation.
As we mark this year’s Independence, I urge Zambians to look to the future with renewed hope and determination. Let us not give up to despair in the face of a high cost of living, long hours of load shedding, corruption, hunger, tribalism , nepotism and other challenges that affect our country. Instead, let us rise together and fight for economic independence by working towards ensuring that every Zambian can afford three meals a day, access medicines in hospitals, job opportunities, and live in dignity.
True independence will only be realised when our people are economically empowered and when we hold our leaders accountable to the ideals upon which this nation was founded.
Let this day remind us of who we are, where we have come from, and what we must become for ourselves, our children, and future generations. A country that will place Citizens FIRST!
Happy 61st Independence Anniversary, Zambia!
*Harry Kalaba*
*President, Citizens First (CF)