.

There are certain political characters from foreign countries of whom, when I was growing up, I was much in awe. I hoped that one day, I would meet and shake hands with them. There was Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Samora Machel of Mozambique. Both are now late. I was badly hurt and sad for days, in October 1986, when news arrived that Samora Machel had been killed in a plane crash.

The other figure whom I much admired was Winnie Mandela. It was her that I grew up seeing more than her revered husband at the time, Nelson Mandela. I thought she was a strong fighter and yes, she was a very attractive woman, even to the eyes of an eleven year old – perhaps eyes that were too quick and far ahead of their age. Later revelations of her other, less palatable acts dented but certainly did not diminish my admiration of her.

Last year, I fulfilled that dream when I met, shook hands and even exchanged a few words with her. The hands of time may have written their mark, as they always do upon our fragile bodies, but she retains her elegance. That we sat in the same row of seats was the stuff of dreams for a boy from the villages. The excitable little boy in me was awoken and I had to remind myself that my company required me to retain my composure and dignity. I would normally have asked for a photo but I preferred to retain that image in my memory, where it will never be lost. It is mine and mine alone. It was a good moment.

The other political figure I grew up admiring was Kenneth Kaunda – another character who also had his ups and downs during his long tenure in power – 27 years? But there was always something about him – that white handkerchief, the inimitable manner of speech and it was said that KK, as is often referred to, was known to shed a tear or two, as he delivered some of his powerful speeches. He loved football and the Zambian National Team was famously known as “KK11″. And they were very good.

Afterwards, I got to admire him even more. In 1991, he submitted himself to an election – the first post-independence multi-party election in Zambia. He lost that election to Frederick Chiluba, the diminutive trade unionist. He did not resist the will of the people. The old man packed his bags and left State House, to start a new life as an ordinary citizen, albeit with the distinguished badge of Founding Father. Much reviled at the time, KK has reinvented himself as the grand old fella of African politics – a caring, compassionate and loving man. He always was a gentlemen of course- a story is told how he waltzed with the then new British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, at the Commonwealth Summit in Lusaka, after which the Iron Lady of British politics was persuaded of the need to ensure the independence of Zimbabwe was properly negotiated at Lancaster House.

When Zambians thought it was time for him to retire, he did not resist. He went away and immersed himself in community work, playing a big role in raising awareness in matters around HIV/AIDS in Zambia and across Africa and the world. When his son died of AIDS, he wept and told the world in a rare feat of openness, what had killed his son. In that way he broke the stigma and helped save many more lives.

The man found life after power and he has used it graciously and selflessly for the good of humankind. Those of us affected by a religious inclination are persuaded that the Good Lord always had a purpose of him, a purpose beyond influence derived from political power. Perhaps it is is His way of teaching, young Africans, that one can still be powerful and influential long after they have left the corridors of political power.

I don’t know him well but he seems like a humble and jovial character. He spoke last year at Nelson Mandela’s funeral and his was probably one of the most stirring and inspiring speeches. It was a pity he was cut short for time but you could feel the passion and the energy.

Most of his successors have since passed on and he has outlived them all. In this picture, he is seen paying his respects to the late President Sata’s wife. His posture says it all – an elderly, compassionate gentleman who is fluent in the language and spirit of humility and ubuntu. A true elder statesman, whom, like all men of his age must do, attracts respect from all angles, without qualification, indeed, without doubt or restraint.

I would like to meet and shake hands with him one day. I never had the chance with Samora and Mwalimu. Winnie, I did. But KK? Maybe one day …