John Malama Sokoni
John Malama Sokoni | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Malama Sokoni Kamangu, Chinsali District, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Occupation | Politician, Activist, Farmer |
| Known for | African National Congress leader, African Representative Council member, Agricultural development |
John Malama Sokoni was a Zambian political activist, educator, and prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). A graduate of Lubwa Mission, Sokoni played a significant role in political mobilisation against colonial rule and contributed to the development of agricultural cooperatives in Zambia’s Chinsali District.
Early Life and Education
John Malama Sokoni was born in Kamangu, Chinsali District. He attended Lubwa Training School, where he received his primary education and developed connections with future leaders, including Kenneth Kaunda, who would become Zambia’s first president and Simon Kapwepwe.
Political Activism
Sokoni became an influential figure within the African National Congress (ANC) during the 1950s. In 1953, he was appointed Provincial Treasurer of the ANC for the Northern Province, and he also served as a member of the African Representative Council (ARC), where he advocated for African rights and voiced opposition to colonial policies.
In 1957, Sokoni organised a political rally in Chinsali to promote Congress’s ideals and mobilise opposition to colonial rule. His activism was closely aligned with efforts to end British colonial control and support Zambian self-governance. Sokoni’s political involvement made him one of the prominent local leaders in the push for Zambian independence.
Agricultural Development
Aside from his political work, Sokoni was instrumental in the economic development of Chinsali District. He collaborated with other Lubwa graduates in promoting cooperative farming through the Kamangu Farming Association, an initiative that encouraged shared farming techniques and increased agricultural productivity among local farmers. The cooperative aimed to improve crop yields and offered access to resources such as oxen, tools, and seeds. The association also provided opportunities for local farmers to sell their produce, enhancing economic stability in the region:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
See also
References
- Arie Nicolaas Ipenburg, The Development of Lubwa Mission, Chinsali, Zambia 1904-1967, Ph.D. thesis, University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies, May 1991.