Salome Kapwepwe (August 8, 1926 – May 9, 2017) was a Zambian freedom fighter and educator, known for her pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence.[1] Additionally, she was the wife of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, a prominent Zambian nationalist and vice-president of Zambia.[2][3]

Salome Kapwepwe
Salome in 2016
Personal details
Born
Salome Chilufya Besa

(1926-08-08)8 August 1926
Chinsali, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia)
Died9 May 2017(2017-05-09) (aged 90)
Lusaka
Spouse
(m. 1946)
Children8; including Chileshe Kapwepwe & Mulenga Kapwepwe

Early life and career

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Salome Chilufya Besa was born on August 8, 1926, at Lubwa Mission in Chinsali District, now Muchinga Province. She commenced her teaching career in 1946 at Lubwa, where she met Simon Kapwepwe, whom she would later marry. Together, they were transferred to Nkula and subsequently to Wusakile Primary School in 1948, where they both worked as educators.[4]

Activism

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Salome Kapwepwe played an instrumental role in Zambia's struggle for independence, working alongside her husband Simon and other prominent activists such as Kenneth Kaunda. Together, they advocated for Zambia's freedom from British colonial rule and actively participated in the movement for national self-determination.

Death

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Kapwepwe passed away on May 8, 2017, at the age of 90, in her sleep.[1][5] She was laid to rest on May 13, 2017, at her home in Chinsali.[6] Her legacy as a prominent Zambian freedom fighter and educator continues to inspire generations of Zambians.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Zambia : President Lungu mourn freedom fighter mama Salome Kapwepwe". 2017-05-09. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
  2. ^ "Salome Kapwepwe: Who is she and her role in Independence struggle | Zambian Eye". Retrieved 2022-11-20.
  3. ^ "Salome Kapwepwe dies at 90 – Zambia Daily Mail". 26 July 2017. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
  4. ^ "Salome Kapwepwe - Chalo Chatu, Zambia online encyclopedia". chalochatu.org. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
  5. ^ Mkhala, Tenson (2017-05-09). "Lungu mourns Salome Kapwepwe". Zambia: News Diggers!. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
  6. ^ chengo (2017-05-09). "Kapwepwe's widow Salome dies". Q FM. Retrieved 2022-11-20.