26 December 2011
ZAMBIA and the rest of the world will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone in March 2013.
The event, which will include international arts, cultural and sport festivals, will be held between March and October 2013 in Livingstone and abroad.
David Livingstone Bicentenary 2013 committee liaison officer, Frederick Mwendapole said the event would promote Zambia as a preferred tourist destination.
Mr Mwendapole said Zambia would work closely with some countries in the Southern African Development Community region to host the occasion.
“As you may be aware, David Livingstone was born in 1813 and it will be 200 years in 2013 from the time he was born.
“We are seeking to establish links between the United Kingdom (UK) and Livingstone in Zambia to mark the bicentenary celebrations of David Livingstone.
“We want to ensure that there is a lasting legacy moving forward from this bicentennial year,” he said.
Mr Mwendapole said his committee had lined up several activities which would include arts, cultural and sports festivals.
The Government was expected to officially launch the event between February and March next year.
“We are inviting neighbouring countries to participate in theatre, traditional dancing, concerts, soccer, rugby, David Livingstone Classic golf tournament, motor rally, Chinese kite festival, fishing and cricket among others,” he said.
Committee secretary, marketing and UK liaison officer, Belinda Hodge was happy that celebrating David Livingstone’s commitment to exploration, medicine, education and eradication of slavery was still an active campaign 200 years afterwards.
Ms Hodge said the event would promote cultural exchange between universities in Zambia and the UK.
“Over the next few years, we plan to develop the event into a world-class festival and draw tourists from all over the world,” Ms Hodge said.
David Livingstone, who was born in Scotland on March 19, 1813 and died in May 1873, was the first white man to discover the Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world.
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Continued here:
Zambia: David Livingstone Memorial Set for March 2013