By JULIUS PHIRI –
THE family of Zambia’s first vice-president Reuben Kamanga has requested Government to consider naming Chipata District hospital which is under construction after the late freedom fighter.
Mr Kamanga’s grandson Mathews Phiri said in a letter to Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chileshe Mulenga dated October 21, that after independence in 1964, the former freedom fighter should be honoured after served as vice-president until 1967.
He explained that in 1959 to 1960, Mr Kamanga was arrested several times by the colonial masters because of the freedom fight.
“Just on the dawn of independence, Hon Kamanga was appointed the first republican vice-president of Zambia and he served until 1967 when he was appointed in other portfolios within government until 1991 when he retired from active politics,” Mr Phiri said.
He said Mr Kamanga was a freedom fighter and was known for his strong fight for liberation from colonial rule.
Mr Phiri said Mr Kamanga also served as a minister of transport and communication as well as minister of rural development.
“As Kamanga family we are wishing Zambia’s God favour, wisdom and above all peace to continue prevailing in our country and remember the freedom fighters that were not sleeping to ensure that it was free at last,” Mr Phiri said.
