The funeral of the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda has begun in Lusaka.
Foreign dignitaries from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are among the mourners scheduled to pay their last respects to the elderly statesman.
HE President @CyrilRamaphosa has arrived in Lusaka, Zambia where he is attending the funeral of His Excellency Doctor Kenneth Kaunda, former President of the Republic of Zambia#RIPPresidentKennethKaunda #RIPKK pic.twitter.com/j7OY7Qoese
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) July 2, 2021
The 97-year-old died in hospital from pneumonia last month.
Live proceedings of the funeral:
The funeral is taking place at the Lusaka showgrounds following a week of provincial memorial services and lying in state.
Concerns over the numerous crowd gathering events have been raised as the country battles record breaking daily COVID-19 infections.
HE President @CyrilRamaphosa signs the condolences book on arrival at the Lusaka Show Grounds where the State Funeral Service of the Republic of Zambia’s founding President Dr Kenneth Kaunda is taking place. President Kaunda passed away on Thursday, 17 June 2021, aged 97. #RIPKK pic.twitter.com/O64EpISHFK
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) July 2, 2021
Looking back at the life of Zambia’s first president:
Remembering Kaunda:
