Mama Julia Chikamoneka: Difference between revisions

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She was born Julia Mulenga Nsofwa in 1910 to a British Army African Sergeant who served in the First World War. At the age of 28, she travelled with her husband to [[Lusaka]] to seek employment.
She was born Julia Mulenga Nsofwa in 1910 to a British Army African Sergeant who served in the First World War. At the age of 28, she travelled with her husband to [[Lusaka]] to seek employment.


==Political career==
Mama Chikamoneka became one of the pioneers of political engagement and activism for freedom from colonial rule. Her courage, bravery and pride won her fame and respect among women countrywide. She encouraged fellow Africans to determine the political destiny of their country.
In 1948, she and other freedom fighters formed the [[Northern Rhodesia Teacher’s Welfare Association]], led by [[David Yamba]], which was later transformed into a political party called [[Northern Rhodesia African Congress]]. Late [[Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula]], who had just returned from studies in London, assumed its leadership.


Mama Chikamoneka became one of the pioneers of political engagement and activism for freedom from colonial rule. Her courage, bravery and pride won her fame and respect among women countrywide. She encouraged fellow Africans to determine the political destiny of their country.
In 1948, she and other freedom fighters formed the Northern Rhodesia Teacher’s Welfare Association, led by David Yamba, which was later transformed into a political party called Northern Rhodesia African Congress. Late Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, who had just returned from studies in London, assumed its leadership.
In 1951, political activism heightened and Mama Chikamoneka became a founder member of the Women’s Brigade. After the transformation of NRAC to African National Congress, the members sensed inertia in terms of activism, leading to the formation of a breakaway named Zambian African National Congress (ZANCO). Mama Chikamoneka mobilized several women to join ZANCO, believing there was need for a more aggressive group with a sense of direction.
In 1951, political activism heightened and Mama Chikamoneka became a founder member of the Women’s Brigade. After the transformation of NRAC to African National Congress, the members sensed inertia in terms of activism, leading to the formation of a breakaway named Zambian African National Congress (ZANCO). Mama Chikamoneka mobilized several women to join ZANCO, believing there was need for a more aggressive group with a sense of direction.
ZANCO was later banned, its leaders arrested and detained, but Mama Chikamoneka, with other women like Mama Betty Kaunda, Emelia Saidi and Mandalena Mumba, organized a new political party called the African National Independence Party (ANIP). They petitioned the colonial authorities over the starving families of the detained leaders and also fought legal battles for their release.
ZANCO was later banned, its leaders arrested and detained, but Mama Chikamoneka, with other women like Mama Betty Kaunda, Emelia Saidi and Mandalena Mumba, organized a new political party called the African National Independence Party (ANIP). They petitioned the colonial authorities over the starving families of the detained leaders and also fought legal battles for their release.
She was often arrested for inciting other citizens, hence she sometimes faked her name to Julia Chikamoneka Ico Mutusakamikila (meaning Julia, the secret of oppressing us shall be revealed).
She was often arrested for inciting other citizens, hence she sometimes faked her name to Julia Chikamoneka Ico Mutusakamikila (meaning Julia, the secret of oppressing us shall be revealed).
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