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ALL is set for Zambia’s golden jubilee climax celebrations slated for this weekend, with 26 countries confirming participation, Vice-President Guy Scott told parliament yesterday.
Some of the countries that will be represented at the celebrations include the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, France, Canada, South Africa and South Korea.
Dr Scott said in a ministerial statement that the acting President will host a state banquet on the eve of the celebrations at Lusaka’s Intercontinental Hotel before hoisting the flag at Heroes Stadium.
He said on Saturday, the acting president will lay wreaths at the Freedom Statue before hosting a state luncheon.
“Celebrations have been going on since February and this will be the climax with various activities such as acrobatics, performances and so on,” Dr Scott said
He said celebrations will also take place in all the 10 provinces with cabinet ministers being assigned to each province.
Meanwhile, Dr Scott told the House that uncertainty surrounds the participation of six heads of state who had earlier confirmed participation in the celebrations.
He was responding to a question raised by Monze Central Member of Parliament (UPND) Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know if the six foreign presidents who confirmed participation will attend even in the absence of President Sata.
And Keembe MP (MMD) Ronnie Shikapwasha asked why he had not been recognised as a freedom fighter because he once worked as a policeman in the colonial government.
“Mr Speaker, I am an unsung hero. I joined the police force at a very young age and the Vice-President has been seeing my face here but I have never been invited to any of these functions. Is it political?” he asked, much to the amusement of other members
And Dr Scott said he does not know yet how much it has cost Government to host the golden jubilee celebrations.
He was responding to Luena MP (ADD) Gertrude Imenda and Chadiza MP (MMD) Allan Mbewe who both wanted to know how much it has cost the country to host the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Dr Scott says he is proud to be Zambian because Zambia is a haven of peace.
And Dr Scott has thanked the Finnish government for the support towards the digitalisation of the National Archives.
The Vice-President was speaking yesterday when he officially opened the Golden Jubilee exhibition at the National Archives.
“I am very proud to be Zambian. We all need to be proud. We have had no war in the last 50 years. We have been a haven for most people in the region,” he said
Dr Scott, who punctuated his address with numerous jokes that sent people roaring with laughter, hailed soccer for unifying the country.
“We used to have the KK 11 before it became Chipolopolo,” he said in reference to the national team. “Getting the Africa Cup was symbolic. It was one of the greatest moments for this country.”
Dr Scott thanked the Finnish government for helping to digitalise the National Archives of Zambia.
“We, as a government, are very grateful to the Finnish for helping us put some of our information in digital form. Zambia has 125 years of documented history,” he said.
Minister of Home Affairs Ngosa Simbyakula, his deputy Nickson Chilangwa and scores of diplomats attended the exhibition.
Zambia Daily Mail
