The Lusaka Freedom Statue is a symbolic representation of the struggle that the people of Zambia endured in order to attain independence on the 24th of October 1964. It’s a symbol of struggle, a reminder of hardship and a promise of hope for a better future. The statue is dedicated to our freedom fighters and forefathers, many of whom sacrificed their lives and freedoms so that Zambia could have hers.

The Statue is erected along Independence Avenue in Lusaka, right in front of the New Government Complex and adjacent to the Lusaka Museum. As the statue is of great historical significance, it is used as the venue for some state functions such as Africa Freedom Day, celebrated on the 25th of May every year where the President of Zambia invites other heads of state and dignitaries representing foreign missions to lay wreaths at the feet of the statue in commemoration Africa Freedom Day, as well as give tribute to the freedom fighters who lost their lives in the freedom struggle.

It is said that Mpundu Mutembo, a national hero and freedom fighter was arrested and bound in chains by his colonial masters. He was approached by an armed officer who ordered Mutembo to break the chains or be shot. With immense strength, Mutembo fearlessly clinched onto his chains of bondage and pulled apart the chains breaking them, much to the shock of his captors. This is the moment that was frozen in time and is depicted in the statue. The same image can also be found on every denomination of the Zambian Kwatcha. Sadly Mr Mutembo, (who was also known as Zanco) died on 18th May 2021. Although he is no longer with us, the memory of our National Symbol remains with us through the freedom statue.