In Memoriam

The ANC Veterans League is saddened by the passing of Honourable Aaron Milner on 22^nd June 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe.  Not only did he contribute to the liberation of Zambia and serve as a Minister under the first democratic President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, but he was instrumental in supporting the ANC and other liberation movements who were exiled in Southern Africa.

Before Zambian independence, he was Secretary General of UNIP and in 1963 played an instrumental role in assisting ANC cadres who were travelling north through Zambia to Tanzania and further destinations. He arranged for buses and accommodation so that they could escape safely from the clutches of the Northern Rhodesian police.

Cde Mavuso Msimang, deputy president of the ANC Veterans League recalls that the late Dr Zola Skweyiya boarded a bus and took a small Zambian boy on his lap. When the Northern Rhodesian police entered the bus looking for foreigners, they mistook him for a local guy and did not touch him!

After independence in 1964, Honourable Aaron Milner was appointed the Zambian Minister of Home Affairs and together with the Zambian President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda made things much easier for members of the ANC and freedom fighters from other unliberated countries. He developed a strong relationship with the ANC leadership of President OR Tambo and enabled the ANC to work effectively from exile.

The ANC Veterans League also wants to thank the current President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema for arranging an official funeral for late Honourable Aaron Milner and thus recognising the important contribution he made to the liberation of Southern African countries.

Our condolences to his family, comrades and friends and the people of Zambia.

May he rest in peace.

Snuki Zikalala,
ANC Veterans League President.