Story by Tichaona Kurewa
Chief Mukuni the 19th of Zambia has expressed optimism about Zimbabwe’s economic development.
Born Patrick Siloka Mukuni, Chief Mukuni of Zambia, expressed optimism that Zimbabwe is on the right track for economic development during a recent visit to the country for the funeral of Chief Shana.
He commended the strong relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia, noting that both nations are now focused on development.
“Zimbabwe is on the right path, the Mugabe era was to celebrate the founding of independence. Now we are in another era with the new President which is similar to Zambia as well. We are now poised to develop the two countries,” he said.
Chief Mukuni also called for the opening up of borders within the African continent.
“We don’t need passports, in the olden days when colonialism began, there were no passports. When they realised that we become independent and they didn’t want us to get to Europe, they created passports even among ourselves as Africans. We should not have gone that way as Africans.
“We should not have passports as Africans. We should go all the way to Kenya, we are all Africans, we are the same people. You find that now in Europe there are no passports, European countries visit each other without passports. Americans visit each other without passports. It’s time for Africans to start having no boundaries, no passport. We are one country.”
Chief Mukuni’s comments come as African nations strive for greater economic integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area.
