Kingsley Chinkuli

Kingsley Chinkuli
Born	1944 Liteta Village, Central Province, Zambia
Allegiance	Zambia
Service/branch	Zambia Army
Years of service	1960s–1977
Rank	General
Commands held	Zambia Army

Godwin Kingsley Chinkuli (born 1944) is a retired Zambian military officer and politician. He was the first indigenous Zambian Army Commander, appointed on 28 December 1970 at the age of 31 by President Kenneth Kaunda. Prior to this, leadership roles in the Zambian military were predominantly held by officers seconded from the British Army.

Early Life and Education

Chinkuli was born in 1944 in Liteta Village, Central Province, Zambia. He hails from the royal family of the Liteta Chieftainship. His early life was marked by traditional rural activities, including cattle herding, hunting, and farming, which instilled in him leadership qualities and a strong sense of community responsibility.

He was among the first three Zambians sent to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom for officer training. Upon completing his studies, he returned to Zambia and quickly advanced through the military ranks.

Military Career

Chinkuli's rapid ascent in the Zambian military culminated in his appointment as the first indigenous Zambia Army Commander on 28 December 1970. In 1976, he became the Commander of the Zambia National Defence Force, overseeing the Army, Air Force, and Zambia National Service, and also served as Deputy Minister of Defence. During his tenure, he led efforts in the liberation struggles in the region, a mission that President Kaunda had committed the country to.

Political Career

In 1977, Chinkuli transitioned to politics, initially serving as Minister of Mines. In 1978, he was appointed as Minister of Power, Transport, and Communications. Throughout the 1980s, he held 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. He played a significant role in overseeing Zambia's transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

Post-Political Career

After his political career, Chinkuli continued to contribute to national development. He served as the Country Manager for First Quantum Minerals (FQM) in Kalumbila, remaining active in the corporate sector.

In December 2023, Chinkuli established the General Kingsley Chinkuli Foundation, aimed at supporting former servicemen by providing essential resources and fostering a sense of community among them. The foundation also engages in initiatives that promote awareness and understanding of Zambia's military history and its connection to national development.

Publications

In December 2023, Chinkuli launched his book, "Reigning In Chaos: Chinkuli and the Genius of Command," which reflects on his experiences and insights from his military career.

External Links

• [General Kingsley Chinkuli Foundation](https://www.gkcfoundation.org/)