Blog Details

Memories from Independence Day in 1964 – Dr. Alison Dow

Alison is a supporter of Zambia Orphans Aid and has kindly shared her memories of taking part in Independence Day celebrations 60 years ago while a small school girl in Lusaka. The first President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, affectionately known as ‘KK’, was the patron of Zambia Orphans Aid until his death in 2021. Under his guidance the country adopted the unifying call to action, ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. 

I was five years and two days old on 24th October 1964. These are my memories of that day- still so vivid after all these years.

It was the normal early start to a school day. We wore our Lusaka Infants School smart school uniform – mine was a stripy ‘summer frock’. However it was going to be a school day unlike any other.

To start with, which set the spirit of the day, we were all given a small Zambian Flag each. I remember the flags were made of paper and not very robust. Off we marched in straight lines to Independence Avenue – where we waited – and waited and waited…. To me it seemed like an age. We played an endless game of jumping on and off the kerb – our Barter school shoes becoming covered and unrecognisable from a covering of that  fine Lusaka dust of the hot season.

Then in the distance the cheering started and built up to a cacophony of shouts undulating and drumming. Finally the cavalcade appeared – Dr. Kenneth Kaunda (KK) our new president of a ‘free’ Zambia – there right in front of us in his enormous black ‘London’  car. I am sure he smiled and waved his white kerchief directly at me – he was so close …. There also was Simon Kapwepwe  … our Vice President.

Then the cavalcade was gone and we traipsed – less of a march – back  to the Infants School…. our flags the worse for wear after much waving!  We knew we had just witnessed a hugely important historical event. As well as the day’s events I do remember the general background excitement and hope for a new beginning… a new chapter in the country of my birth.

The normal routine of school life returned, but for a few months only.

Nine months later in July 1965 –  Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia  made a state visit to Zambia. Once again a trip to the pavements of Independence Avenue with our flags  – feverish excitement  as  KK and  Haile Selassie  drove passed together in the same ‘London’ car and again I am sure  they both waved directly at me – they were so close!

In 1981 I arrived back in Zambia having left over 10 years previously. I was passing through Lusaka to do my medical student ‘elective’ at St Francis Katete with Dr James Cairns and  Dr Nick Hone.  As you can imagine it was quite an emotional day as I touched Zambian soil again in the early hours. The day could not get better or so I thought That same evening I found myself being driven down the drive to State House to have dinner  with KK, the Miller family from Lilayi and David Shepherd. KK poured me the strongest G & T I have ever had before or since. He was delightful and so encouraging. … ‘Alison you must come and work for us and help build Zambia’.

For the last 2 years I have been writing and giving talks here in Norfolk on the Abolition of Slavery and Legacy of Empire issues.  We have another important celebratory event soon to be on us in 2033 which  is the bicentenary of Emancipation in the British Empire.  I always start my talks with my own personal memories of being a child of empire and especially the events of the 24th October 1964.