zamcan board history

“The idea of forming a Zambian Canadian group first arose around 1991.” Mr. Chisanga Puta-Chekwe met with Dr. Sam Sikaneta at Toronto” to discuss several matters including the establishment of the Zambian Canadian Association.” They were joined at the Metropolitan Hotel by the late Mr. Chinkangala Fostino Lombe, may his soul rest in eternal peace.

“In the summer of 2000 Dr. Samuel Sikaneta and Mr. Chisanga Puta-Chekwe made contact with a number of like-minded Zambians in and around Toronto and Ottawa to plan a party to celebrate Zambian Independence Day on a grand scale.  These like-minded individuals included Mrs. Jean Puta-Chekwe, Ms. Julie Tembo, Ms. Ruth Chikosa, Mr. Zamanga Chulu, Drs. Kirkwood Achiume, Lowesha Kapijimpanga, Marcia Barron, Grace Mchaina, David Mchaina, Kaela Mulenga, Ms. Mbonélla Phiri and Mrs. Joan Sikaneta.  The First Secretary at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC, Mr. John Mulutula, and his wife were invited to the function.  This defining event was held at the First Ethiopian Place on Yonge Street, Toronto, on October 29, 2000.” (Dr. Sikaneta)

“Dr. Sam Sikaneta [launched] the ZAM-Can party at Karibu. He came as the main guest speaker. The gathering was superb. He came and spoke at the peak hour – he (Sikaneta) literally pronounced the birth of ZAM-Can there and then.”

Mr. Chinkangala Fostino Lombe helped to find support for sponsorship of our organization.  On December 16, 2000 with about forty members from the community, at the Metro Community Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto, Ontario, ZAMCAN was officially launched.

First Board:

§  Dr. Samuel Sikaneta, Chairperson

§  Ms. Mbonélla Phiri, Vice Chairperson

§  Mr. Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, Secretary

§  Dr. Grace Mchaina, Deputy Secretary

§  Dr. David Mchaina, Treasurer

§  Dr. Lowesha Kapijimpanga, Vice Treasurer

§  Mr. Zamanga Chulu, Publicity Secretary

§  Mr. Michael Moyo, Member at Large

§  Ms. Julie Tembo, Member at Large

Since this Board, nine (9) members of our community have held the position of Chair/president as follows:

§  Dr. Sam Sikaneta

§  Dr. Grace Mchaina

§  Mr. CK Kasapu

§  Dr. Cephas Masikini

§  Ms. Mary Mutuna

§  Mr. Kaluba Chilaisha

§  Mr. Musaba Chailunga

§  Mr. Mr. Chasaya Sichilima

§  Mr. Charles Mwewa