KATEMA

By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE-
GOVERNMENT has thanked Zambians for the peace, love and unity with which they celebrated the Golden Jubilee last Friday.
Chief Government spokesperson Joseph Katema said Government was happy that Zambians in the diaspora, including the country’s missions abroad came together in commemorating the historic event.
Dr Katema, who is Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said that the spirit was an indication that they were able to rise above political, ethnic, racial and religious diversity, in building a united and peaceful Zambia.
“This, once again, amplifies the fact that Zambians are able to rise above political, ethnic, racial and religious diversity, in building a united and peaceful Zambia,” Dr Katema said.
The turning up in big numbers of people to celebrate the jubilee on October 24, 2014 in various parts of the country was also a testimony of the importance Zambians attached to the freedom struggle.
Meanwhile, the United States of America (USA) has conveyed condolences to the Zambian Government on loss of 25 people, most of them pupils, who died on Lake Kariba on Independence Day.
The pupils, teachers and members of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) met their fate when the canoe they were on capsized.
US State Department Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who represented the US at Zambia’s Golden Jubilee, sent her condolences to the friends and family members of the 25.
Ms Thomas-Greenfield said the US was saddened with the tragedy that claimed so many Zambian children and adults.
She said this in a statement released by the US embassy in Lusaka.
“ We are overwhelmed by the sadness of this tragedy that claimed the precious lives of so many Zambian children and adults who started off their journey in the spirit of celebration for their country,” Ms Thomas-Greenfield.