HH gets more international recognition

Hakainde Hichilema

Zambia’s leading opposition figure Hakainde Hichilema has been nominated as a recipient of this year’s African Freedom Award by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation was established in 1958 by Theodor Heuss, the first president of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Foundation acknowledges individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the cause of freedom in Africa.

The UPND leader will receive the award tomorrow, October 27, at an awards ceremony in South Africa where he will also deliver a speech.

Hichilema, who earlier this year spent 127 days in prison on a tramped up treason charge, announced the development on his Facebook page today.

“We are greatly honoured to have been nominated to be the guest speaker and recipient of this year’s African Freedom award ceremony hosted and presented by Friedrich Naumann Foundation in South Africa tomorrow Friday 27th October 2017,” Hichilema wrote.

“At this annual event, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom acknowledges individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the cause of Freedom in Africa.

“After receiving the award, we will be presenting a paper on “The State of Freedom in Africa”.”

He dedicated his award to Zambians who stood with him and his co-accused during their time in detention and vowed to continue championing the basic rights and freedoms of all Zambians.

“To us, this an award dedicated to our fellow citizens who committed prayers and stood with us during our 127 days difficult times under incarceration in filthy detention centres for an offence we never commited.

“We will continue demanding and championing freedoms and basic rights for our people as well as respect for the rule of law and order as we believe that is key to national development, “ stated Hichilema.