HON. HOWARD KUNDA’S ADDRESS ON THE GOVERNMENT REFUSAL TO REPATRIATE CROWN PRINCE SAMUWANA JOLLICK KAZANDA’S REMAINS
“Today, I am deeply saddened and gravely disappointed by the government’s refusal to repatriate the remains of Crown Prince Samuwana Jollick Kazanda. Prince Samuwana, the beloved last-born son of His Royal Highness Senior Chief Ishindi of the Lunda people in Zambezi District, North Western Province, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka.
According to Lunda custom and tradition, Prince Samuwana must be buried at the sacred Ifwilu Royal burial site in Zambezi, where generations of the royal family members have been laid to rest. This is not merely tradition; it is the core of the heritage, the identity, and the respect for the past.
It is disheartening that, once again, this government has shown a lack of understanding and respect for our cultural practices. This is not the first time we’ve seen such ill-treatment for the people of North Western. During the funeral of His Royal Highness Senior Chief Kanong’esha in Mwinilunga District, our leaders received minimal assistance. The government’s neglect and disregard for royal highnesses in North Western Province are becoming a pattern, and we cannot stay silent any longer.
In contrast we saw in the past how the government scampered in all directions in February just to airlift the remains of a village headman to Namwala district. This is hypocrisy and playing of standards by this failed government.
Our traditions are our identity, and our leaders deserve to be honored, not neglected. Prince Samuwana’s family, his people, and the culture demand the respect and dignity he is owed in death, just as he was in life. We ask the government to remember that traditional customs are not negotiable—they are our heritage, and they must be upheld.
Today, I urge all who stand with us to demand that the government fulfill its duty to support the repatriation of Prince Samuwana’s remains to Zambezi, where he rightfully belongs. We stand with the people of North Western especially his Royal Highness Senior Chief Ishindi and the Royal family during this trying moment.
Zawapa – Zambia wake-up Party
#RespectTraditions
#HonorOurLeaders
#PrinceSamuwana