A MAN of Chadiza who fought and killed a leopard with his barehands is among 21 people that have today been awarded and honoured with the prestigious National honours by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Joseph Banda was honoured for showing an act of bravety by killing the wild animal which went and terrorised his farm in Chadiza.
Mr Banda was among those awarded for the President’s medal for gallantry.
President Hichilema at the auspicious event which was held at State House also awarded 19-year-old track and field sprinter who specialises in the 400 meters Muzala Simukonga.
Mr Simukonga who has won gold medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth games and African Championship was awarded with The President’s Insignia for Meritorious achievement.
Mr Hichilema stated that the day was meant to remember both the living as well as the dead who had been part of ensuring that Africa attained it’s Freedom.
“On this auspicious day, as we gather to commemorate African Freedom Day and pay homage to the brave Freedom Fighters who dedicated their lives to liberate Africa from colonialism, we have solemnly laid wreaths at the Freedom Statue, symbolizing our deep respect for these heroic individuals,” Mr Hichilema said.
Under the award of Grand Commander of the order of the Eagle of Zambia third division The Head of State awarded Herbert Athan Zulu and Akabiwa Mbikusita Lewanika (Posthumously).
Mr Hichilema who awarded the gallant men and women in presence of people from all walks of life said those awarded were deserving citizens who marked significance towards Africa Freedom Day.
“The awards and honours were in adherence to our time-honored tradition and in accordance with the authority vested in the President by Article 92 (2) (g) of the Constitution of Zambia, we have conducted an investiture ceremony at State House,” he said.
Further under the award for Grand Companion order of freedom first division President Hichilema awarded Mr Partwell Chigayo Mhlanga while in the same category for second division he honoured and awarded Margaret Liso Shezongo and Esther Nanda Mulaisho.
Others honoured and awarded in the order of distinguished service first division and second division were Ambassador Henry Robert Mataka ,Judge Florence Mumba, Mpundu Buseko Mwape and Leonard Chunga (Posthumously)
Mr Hichilema honoured and awarded the President’s medal for gallantry to Lieutenant colonel Habasune Fine Mpezele, Sergeant Joe Shapela, Kabotu Muhongo, Chisha Pascal Kambuma and Enoch Zimba Mulenga.
While the President’s Insignia for Science and Technology went to Dr Kalaluka Munyinda and the President’s Insignia for Meritorious achievement went to Saviour Harris Konie, Bishop David Ndhlovu (Posthumously), Ambassador Edward and Mutafela Lubinda.
Further President Hichilema gave the President’s Insignia of recognition to William Christian Chinzewe and the President’s Insignia of honour went to Sylvester Banda.
