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| Princess Kasune Zulu |
United States-based HIV/AIDS activist Princess Kasune Zulu has unveiled her ambitious plans to contest
the Keembe parliamentary seat during the 2016 general elections.
The
Chicago-based Zambian, who is married to David Schoefernacker, recently posted on her Facebook page that she will aspire to uplift the living standards of people in her motherland.
“Let the politics begin, looking forward to 2016, Keembe Constituency, Chibombo rural Zambia. Vote for Princess Kasune (pa ka N’gombe),” read her Facebook status.
“Let the politics begin, looking forward to 2016, Keembe Constituency, Chibombo rural Zambia. Vote for Princess Kasune (pa ka N’gombe),” read her Facebook status.
The 39 year old
who has lived with HIV for the past 20 years, says she wants to improve people’s
lives in Keembe constituency which is currently held by MMD Member of
Parliament Lt. Gen. Ronnie Shikapwasha.
Princess Kasune is from
a royal Lenje lineage on her father’s side which has strong family ties to the
royal families of Chief Liteta and Chieftainess Mungule.
In response to
a press query, Princess Kasune says if elected MP in 2016,
she will improve education, health and infrastructure in this rural
constituency located in Chibombo District of Central Province,
"Our children both girls and boys should be given equal access to education. And there is no reason why we cannot have some libraries and parks in Keembe constituency," she said.
"I will make sure there is a general hospital in Keembe constituency. Women will have access to revolving funds and loans. I promise to be a champion for better pay for teachers, all health workers and our defence personnel."
In the agriculture sector, Princess Kasune says she will help make inputs are made available to farmers on time.
"I will make sure our farmers are provided with inputs on time and advocate for on timely payments for their produce. All feeder roads must be tarred, that in my view is a no brainier."
In the agriculture sector, Princess Kasune says she will help make inputs are made available to farmers on time.
"I will make sure our farmers are provided with inputs on time and advocate for on timely payments for their produce. All feeder roads must be tarred, that in my view is a no brainier."
Under her
Fountain of Life non-governmental organization which is incorporated in the
United States, Princess Kasune has been doing community work in sectors such as
health and education in Chibombo area.
She has also
been sponsoring community football tournaments involving several teams clad in replica jerseys branded in her name.
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| During one of her football tournaments in Chibombo |
“In her advocacy role, she has spoken for organizations such as
the UN, World Vision, UNAIDS, UNCIEF, Oxfam, Peace Corp and ONE . Her message has also
taken her to the White House where she was part of the delegation that
met with President George W. Bush in the Oval Office, and resulted in the $15
billion PEPPFAR (Presidential Fund for Aids Relief). She has also met UK
Members of Parliament, political leaders in Canada, Ireland and the former
President and First Lady of her own country, Zambia.”
According to InterVasity Press, Since learning of her
own positive HIV status 17 years ago, Princess Kasune has been a tireless ambassador for others affected and
infected by the virus.
"Across the developed world, she has raised millions of
dollars for the fight and has brought critical media attention to the virus."
The website further
reveals that, from 2000 to 2005, Princess Kasune hosted a live talk-radio show
Positive Living which later helped her get profiled by major US media outlets.
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| Princess Kasune at one of her community activities |
She is the author of the
book Warrior Princess: Fighting for Life with Courage and Hope which talks
about the fight against HIV/AIDS and the plight of those affected in Africa
If elected Keembe Member of Parliament in 2016, Princess Kasune Zulu will be the first ever Zambian lawmaker to publicly declare their HIV status.
