Zambia: On a solemn and rainy cloudy Sunday, a nation united in grief and respect as the final rites for former government minister and former Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Ronnie Slim Shikapwasha unfolded.
The church service and full military burial, which took place on 21 January 2024, became a touching reflection of a life devoted to service and honour.
President Hakainde Hichilema joined a diverse array of citizens – government dignitaries, military officials, civilians, and friends, who all gathered to pay their last respects to the late at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Zambia Air Force Acting Commander, Maj General Aurthur Kaluluka and other Service Chiefs accompanied the Republican President on this solemn event.
The atmosphere was hushed, marked by a collective sense of loss. Military personnel in crisp uniforms stood alongside civilians in black attires, bridging the gap between the military and the broader community. It was a demonstration to Lt Gen Shikapwasha’s impact, transcending the confines of the Defence force and his family.
Moving tributes and speeches echoed through the hall, painting a vivid portrait of a man whose legacy touched hearts far and wide. Friends and colleagues shared anecdotes that illustrated not just Lt Gen Shikapwasha’s military prowess but also his warmth, humility, and steady devotion to the nation.
The eulogies were filled with tales of solidarity and amidst the tears, there were smiles that celebrated a life well-lived and a legacy that would endure.
As the church service unfolded, the President of Zambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema, took to the pulpit to pay homage to the late General. His words were both emotional and reverent, capturing the essence of Lt Gen Shikapwasha’s service to the nation.
He said Late Lt Gen Shikapwasha was not just a military leader but a statesman whose contributions spanned across realms of governance, service, and patriotism.
“While the bereaved family has lost a patriarch, Zambia has lost a patriot. We send our condolences to the Shikapwasha family as their loved one is put to rest today.” President Hichilema remarked.
The President’s presence underscored the national significance of the occasion, as he not only honoured a military leader but also a public servant who had served in various capacities within the government.
Following the church service, the sombre notes of a military salute pierced the atmosphere as Lt Gen Shikapwasha was accorded full military honours, with the prestigious 15 gun salute by Zambia Army and a flypast by the Zambia Air Force No. 15 Air Defence Unit. The ceremonial precision reflected the respect and gratitude of a nation bidding farewell to a dedicated leader – a General!
At the Memorial Park, amidst the gun salutes, fly past and the mournful melody of the Last Post (on General salute position) by the Zambia Air Force Brass band, the late General was laid to rest, surrounded by the fluttering Zambian flags, a final salute to a patriot.
The late Lt Gen Shikapwasha was born on 12 December 1947 in Kabwe, Central Province of Zambia. He did his secondary education at Kalonga secondary school from 1963 to 1967. The Late Lt Gen had an illustrious career in the Zambia Air Force spanning over a period of forty years (40) years. He was attested on 07 December 1967 under the operations branch as a General Duties Pilot (GD ‘P’).
He underwent basic military training at Zambia Air Force Academy in Livingstone from 1967 to 1968 before doing his basic flying course at ZAF Livingstone from 07 May 1968 to 20 September 1968. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 20 September 1968.
Later, he went on to do his advanced flying course from 20 September 1968 to 20 September 1969 in the United Kingdom which was followed by Qualified Flying Instructors’ (QFI) course in Yugoslavia in 1976.
He then would convert to the HS 748 aircraft in Lusaka in 1973 and the Yak 40 in Yugoslavia in 1975 and several other aircraft. He went on to become a Presidential pilot to the first President and founding father Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.
The General proceeded to do his Defence Services Command and Staff Course (DSCSC) in Wellington, India, in 1983 and a comparative Senior Command and Staff Course in the Republic of Kenya from 25 August 1997 to July 1998, as well as an Air Intelligence course in Germany in 1989 among others courses.
The Former Commander held several appointments during his tour of duty in the Zambia Air Force, with the most notable appointments including Station Commander (ZAF Lusaka) from 1978 to 1982, Senior Air Staff Officer From 1982, Defence Attaché in Tanzania From 1986 to 1990 and Air Secretary from 1990 to 1991 and lastly his Grand position of Air Force Commander as Lt Gen on 01 January 1992 to 1997.
The Late Lt Gen later joined politics and was a Member of Parliament for Keembe Constituency during the MMD and part of the PF Government from 2003 to 2016. During this time, he served as Minister for Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Information and Broadcasting.
Overly, he was described as a meticulous Senior Officer, which made him complete at both Command and Staff functions, committed to duty and an inspiring Senior Officer to both his juniors and colleagues. His social and approachable aspect made him friendly, and for this, he will be missed by many in the Defence force and the nation at large.
He was honoured with several medals, and at the time of his untimely death, he served as a Church Bishop at Jesus is Life Church with its main church in the Rock View area of Lusaka.
And in a vote of thanks by a family representative, he resounded their collective expression of gratitude to the government, Defence Force, and Zambia Air Force, and everyone who came to mourn their loved General.
He spoke about the unity and the acknowledgement that the legacy of a man who served his country with honour would endure in the hearts and minds of those he left behind and his family.
The Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, attended the burial service and, at the end, handed over his portrait, military articles and national flag to the family as a mark of respect and distinguished service.
Farewell from the Zambia Air Force General Sir, and may your soul rest in internal peace!!