Prof. Simukanga Honours Departed Colleague in Accepting Japanese Commendation
Higher Education Authority (HEA) Director-General, Prof. Stephen Simukanga, honoured the memory of the late Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zambia (UNZA), Prof. Aaron Mweene, when accepting the Commendation from the Japanese Government.
Speaking at Ceremony and Reception held in his honour at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia during an event honouring Prof. Simukanga with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2023, the Director-General noted and remarked on the important contribution that the late Prof. Mweene made in ensuring the success of the contributions to the promotion of friendship between the Republic of Zambia and Japan.
“I would not talk about this contribution without talking about the then Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Aaron Mweene, May His Soul Rest in Peace,” Prof. Simukanga said, adding, “(Prof. Mweene) was very active and keen to follow up agreed activities with the counterparts at Hokkaido University in Japan. He made my contribution easier as he would have done a thorough job in the background.”
Prof. Simukanga added that the Commendation honoured to him also goes to the late Prof. Mweene and other colleagues at UNZA who were part of this process.
In concluding his remarks, Prof. Simukanga extended his sincere thanks to the Foreign Minister of Japan, through His Excellency, the Ambassador of Japan to Zambia, Mr. Kazuyuki Takeuchi, for recognising the “little contribution” that he made to advancing cooperation between the Republic of Zambia and Japan.
“I am really grateful for this recognition,” he said, adding, “I would like to thank the Honourable Minister of Education, Mr. Douglas Munsaka Syakalima MP., through the representative he has sent on his behalf, Mr. William Nyundu, for finding time to be present at this commendation event despite his busy schedule. Thank you for coming, Sir. My thanks go to all of you for being here and for making this event possible.”
Japan honoured the Director-General with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2023 for his role in expanding and deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations between the Republic of Zambia and Japan during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the UNZA.
The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries in different sectors. For 2023, Prof. Simukanga received this award together with 186 individuals and 63 groups from all over the world.
Prof. Simukanga served as UNZA Vice-Chancellor from 2007 – 2015. He was honoured at a Ceremony and Reception which took place on Tuesday, 17th October 2023.
Prof. Simukanga delivers his vote of thanks. Listening on in the picture are His Excellency, Ambassador Takeuchi, Mr. Nyundu, and First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, Ms. Sae Horikawa, holding the Commendation Certificate ready for presentation 
Prof. Simukanga poses for a photo with current and former HEA Management and Staff present at the Commendation Ceremony. In the picture (L-R) are Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba, Corporate Communications Officer; Dr. Martin Mushumba, Acting Director-General; Prof. Simukanga; Mr. Ronald Chulu, Zambia Qualifications Authority Director – Corporate Services and Former HEA Manager – Finance; and, Mr. Christopher Imakando, Purchasing and Supplies Officer.
