The Church of Scotland has paid tribute to Zambia’s founding president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who has died at the age of 97.

He led the country for 27 years and championed Africa’s struggles against apartheid and HIV and AIDS.

The Rev Ian Alexander, interim head of the Faith Impact Forum, said: “The Church of Scotland sends its deep condolences to the family as well as to the president and people of Zambia on the death of His Excellency Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

“His father, David, was a missionary of the Church of Scotland mission at Lubwa, and his mother was the first African woman to teach in colonial Zambia.

“Dr Kaunda went on to play a crucial part in southern Africa’s liberation struggle.

“In retirement, he was involved in various organisations, especially in the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS.

“He was an active member of St Paul’s, Kabwata of the United Church of Zambia, with which the Church of Scotland remains in close co-operation, and always warmly welcomed Church of Scotland visitors.”

Dr Kaunda became Zambia’s first president in 1964 when the country became an independent republic. His son Masuzyo died of AIDS in 1986 and he began a personal crusade against the disease.

(Church of Scotland)