Africa is known for a brutal political climate, civil wars, and economic stagnation. Amidst the detritus of colonialism and tribal strife, there have been ruthless dictators, and also men like Kenneth Kaunda.
The one-time schoolteacher led Zambia for 27 years. He, along with Nyerere, Mandela, and Mugabe, defined African independence. And theirs is a mixed record to be sure. But in 1991, Kaunda stepped aside, making way for a democratically-elected leader, and he now spends his days advocating for AIDS awareness, visiting world leaders. Last week he sat with Saddam Hussein, and he is about to begin a year at university, lecturing on African politics. Back where he began, as a teacher.
