HH honours Zuze

MARY LEMBA Lusaka FORMER Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander Lieutenant General Peter Dingiswayo Zuze has been remembered as a pioneer of indigenous military leadership whose life was defined by discipline, patriotism and dedicated service to Zambia. General Zuze, who died on…

MARY LEMBA

Lusaka

FORMER Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander Lieutenant General Peter Dingiswayo Zuze has been remembered as a pioneer of indigenous military leadership whose life was defined by discipline, patriotism and dedicated service to Zambia.

General Zuze, who died on September 14, was laid to rest yesterday at Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka, with President Hakainde Hichilema declaring the day a national day of mourning in his honour.

In a speech read on his behalf by Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa during the funeral service, President Hichilema described General Zuze as a founding father whose journey from Malota Village in Petauke to the highest levels of military leadership and diplomacy reflected what education, discipline and purpose could achieve.

“From Malota in Petauke to the United Nations, your journey has reached its final destination. General, you have flown your final sortie. The skies are clear, the mission is complete, and your landing is secure,” President Hichilema said.

The President said General Zuze had not only defended Zambia’s skies but also advanced peace and freedom through his diplomatic service abroad.

ZAF Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni said General Zuze played a historic role in developing the air force and facilitating the transition from colonial command to indigenous Zambian leadership.

Lt-Gen Nyoni said General Zuze’s appointment as the first indigenous air commander on March 1, 1972 marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution.

He said the date is commemorated annually as Zambia Air Force Day in recognition of the historic transition to indigenous command.

Former ZAF Commander Lieutenant-General Samuel Mapala described General Zuze as a serious and patriotic officer whose contribution to the country and the air force would continue to be remembered.

Meanwhile, former Army Commander Lieutenant-General Kingsley Chinkuli used the funeral to call on Government to address the welfare concerns of former service chiefs and retired service personnel.

Speaking on behalf of the family, General Zuze’s daughter, Linda, thanked Government, Zambia Air Force and mourners for honouring her father and supporting the family during the mourning period.

Born on December 1, 1942 in Malota Village, Petauke, General Zuze joined Zambia Air Force in 1965 after working in the customs department. He was enlisted on December 6, 1965, under the operations branch as a pilot and commissioned as a pilot officer in June 1966. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home