IF life feels overwhelming and you are on the verge of giving up, Princess Kasune, Zambia’s Minister of Justice, has a testimony of hope.
Once a school dropout who became pregnant as a teenager and later tested HIV positive at the age of 21, Ms Kasune chose never to surrender to circumstance.
True to her name, she resolved to fight like a princess—transforming tragedy into a legacy of courage and service.
As she celebrated her 50th birthday, Ms Kasune reflected on her journey:
“At 50 years, I am a #LivingMiracle.
Double-orphaned at 17—technically at 15.At 18, a Grade 11 school dropout, teenage mother and married off.
By 21, HIV positive.
I told myself I shall not #BreakDown, but #BreakThrough.”
She later returned to school, earning two master’s degrees, one in Business Administration (Nonprofit Administration) and another in Theology (Master of Divinity)all with honours or distinctions.
In 2010, she published her autobiography, Warrior Princess: Fighting for Life with Courage and Hope, which she describes as essential reading for anyone facing adversity.
Ms Kasune also traced her political journey:
“In 2016, I returned to Zambia with one mission—to serve my country. I did not know how or where. After long conversations, debates and prayers, I joined politics. I voted for the first time and ran for Parliament, winning with a landslide, becoming the first female Member of Parliament for Keembe Constituency.”
Her rise in leadership continued under President Hakainde Hichilema.
She became the first woman to serve as Deputy Government Chief Whip, later the first female Provincial Minister for Central Province, and, within nine months, the first female Minister of Justice.
Beyond politics, Ms Kasune highlighted her international advocacy work.
In 2003, she was the only African selected to join a delegation that met then United States President George W. Bush, an engagement that contributed to the establishment of the US$15 billion PEPFAR programme, which expanded access to HIV treatment, including in Zambia.
In 2005, she testified before the US Congress, contributing to the mobilisation of US$50 billion under the Global Fund for HIV, TB and Malaria, again benefiting Zambia.
Her advocacy for women, girls, orphans and vulnerable children took her to the UK Parliament and meetings with world leaders, as well as to global platforms under UNAIDS and the United Nations across Europe, North America and Australia.
Ms Kasune has received numerous recognitions, including a nomination for the Reebok Human Rights Award, the declaration of “Princess Kasune Zulu Day” in Chicago, and a Best Broadcasting Award for HIV and AIDS reporting.
She also cited community development achievements through Fountain of Life (FOLA), an organisation that has built a Level One hospital in Chiyuni Chiefdom at a cost of US$1 million, constructed more than 12 schools and several clinics, implemented water projects, and sponsored students who are now teachers, nurses and doctors.
Reflecting on her life, Ms Kasune said she could not fully count her blessings.
“All I can say is that it has been nothing but sheer courage, boldness, determination, tenacity and above all, God.
So if you are looking for a miracle, here I am.”
(Mwebantu, Saturday, 17th January, 2026)
(Picture by Chellah Tukuta)
