LUNGU HONOURS 8 ZAMBIANS AS THE COUNTRY CELEBRATES AFRICA FREEDOM DAY

By SIMON MUNTEMBA PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has honoured eight Zambians for gallantry and achievements in various sectors. This took place at a colourful investiture ceremony held at State House yesterday to mark Africa Freedom Day observed under the theme, “Arts Culture and Heritage: Levers For Building The Africa We Want.” Mr Lungu bestowed presidential medals …

LUNGU HONOURS 8 ZAMBIANS AS THE COUNTRY CELEBRATES AFRICA FREEDOM DAY
By SIMON MUNTEMBA PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has honoured eight Zambians for gallantry and achievements in various sectors. This took place at a colourful investiture ceremony held at State House yesterday to mark Africa Freedom Day observed under the theme, “Arts Culture and Heritage: Levers For Building The Africa We Want.” Mr Lungu bestowed presidential medals of gallantry to four Zambia Air Force (ZAF) pilots and one citizen, Stanley Hademu for saving lives and government properties. Among the ZAF officers bestowed with the President’s medal for gallantry were four pilots Zacharia Mbewe, Tebson Simukwanya, Michael Mukuka, and Kapotwe Phiri who were all honoured for exhibiting the spirit of bravery and dedication to duty by saving lives and government properties. The Head of State honoured two ZAF pilots Mr Mbewe and Mr Simukwanya for exhibiting professionalism, dedication and bravery in 2015 when the helicopter AB205 they were flying developed a total engine failure in a hilly Sinazongwe area but managed to control it to a safe landing place and no life was lost. Mr Stanley Hademu was honoured for having saved lives of three citizens who were trapped in a car after an accident on January 12, 2019 between Chainda and Ibex area in Lusaka. He rescued the three victims, including the driver shortly before the vehicle exploded into flames.  Zambia’s songbird Maureen Lilanda was also awarded the insignia of meritorious achievement by President Lungu for having greatly helped to develop arts and music in Zambia for the last 30 years. ZNBC’s staffer, Luckson Nthani was awarded with the insignia of meritorious achievement for having excelled in journalism.  Mr Bennet Simfukwe was recognised with the insignia of meritorious achievement for having greatly helped in developing multi-disciplinary sports in Zambia.