Kingsley Chinkuli

Last updated
Gen Kingsley Chinkuli
Birth nameGodwin Kingsley Chinkuli
Born1944 (1944) (age 80)
Liteta Village, Central Province
Allegiance Zambia
Service/branch Zambia Army
Zambia Air Force
Zambia National Service
Years of service1960s - 1980s
Rank General
Alma mater Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Military offices
Preceded by
Major General TS Reids
 Zambia Army Commander
1970 - 1976		Succeeded by
Post abolished
Military offices
Preceded by
Post created
 ZNDF Commander
1976–1977		Succeeded by
Lt Gen P D Zuze

General Kingsley Chinkuli is a retired Zambian military general who is the first indigenous Zambian Army Commander [1] and was appointed on 28 December 1970, at the age of 27, [2] [3] by then President Kenneth Kaunda, [4] taking over from Major General T.S. Reids [5] after Zambia got its independence. This appointment marked a significant transition in the Zambian military, as leadership roles had previously been predominantly held by officers seconded from the British Army.

Contents

Early life and military career

Born in Liteta Village, Central Province, Chinkuli emerged from the royal family of the Liteta Chieftainship. Despite his regal lineage, his childhood unfolded as a herdsboy, steeped in rural traditions. Cattle herding, hunting, and farming dominated his early years, punctuated by traditional training that instilled leadership traits and a deep sense of community responsibility. [2] Chinkuli was one of the first three Zambians sent to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom for officer military training. [6] Upon completing his studies, he returned to Zambia and quickly advanced through the ranks. By 1976, he had become the Commander of the Zambia National Defence Force, overseeing the Army, Airforce, and Zambia National Service (ZNS), and also served as Deputy Minister of Defence. For six years, he expanded, grew, and improved the army. During his military career, he led efforts in the liberation struggles in the region, a mission that President Kaunda had committed the country to. [7]

Political roles

In 1977, Chinkuli transitioned to a political career, initially becoming Minister of Mines. In 1978, he was elevated to a full cabinet minister in charge of Power, Transport, and Communications. Throughout the next decade, he served in several ministerial positions, including Minister of Youth and Sport, Minister of Agriculture and Water Development, Minister of Labour, Social Development and Culture, and Minister of Home Affairs. [8] He played a crucial role in overseeing Zambia's transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

Personal life

General Chinkuli continues to contribute to national development. He is the Country Manager of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) [9] in Kalumbila and remains active. [10] Additionally, he has established the General Kingsley Chinkuli Foundation, [11] which aims to provide welfare support and resources for ex-servicemen while promoting awareness of Zambia's military history and its connection to national development. [12] The foundation was launched alongside his book, "Reigning In Chaos: Chinkuli and the Genius of Command," which reflects on his experiences and insights from his military career. [11]

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References

  1. ↑ "KK didn't resist wind of change – Chinkuli – Zambia Daily Mail News Website" . Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  2. 1 2 "Reigning in Chaos: Chinkuli and the Genius of Command". www.thezhistorian.com. 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  3. ↑ "History of the Zambia Army: from British hands to ours - Zambian Eye". Zambian Eye - Breaking News and Current Affairs. 2023-02-11. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  4. ↑ zamobserver (2022-05-28). "Heroes among us – Gen Kingsley Chinkuli | The Zambian Observer" . Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  5. ↑ "Zambia Army - About Us". www.zambiaarmy.mil.zm. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  6. ↑ "Heroes among us – Gen Kingsley Chinkuli – The Zambian Observer". Ground News. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  7. ↑ "Zambia : Former service chiefs mourn KK". 2021-06-22. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  8. ↑ Ntomba, Reginald (2021-12-17). Michael Sata: Portrait of a Populist. African Books Collective. ISBN   978-9982-24-129-8.
  9. ↑ "FQM Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli hands over facemasks donated". Zambian Mining News. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  10. ↑ "MINING INDUSTRY STALWART DR GODWIN M BEENE APPOINTED FQM COUNTRY MANAGER – Langmead & Baker Communications" . Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  11. 1 2 "Zambia : General Chinkuli creates foundation to take care of former service personnel". 2023-12-29. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  12. ↑ "About us :: GKC Foundation". www.gkcfoundation.org. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
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