Peter Wilfred MATOKA

Education

Educated at Mwinilunga Lower Middle School from 1940 to 1943, Munali Training Centre from 1943 to 1947 and Munali Secondary School from 1947 to 1950. He went to Fort Hare University College where he graduated with a BA in 1954.

Career

On his return he entered government service in 1955. During the next eight years he had the opportunity of developing his administrative ability over a wide range of problems and proved a most conscientious civil servant. Because of this talent he was sent in 1964 to the American University, Washington, USA, where he obtained a diploma in international relations.

At independence on October 24, 1964, he became Zambia’s first Minister of Information and Posts. In 1965 he became Minister of Health and in 1967 he was transferred to be Minister of Works. At the reshuffle the following year he was made Minister of Power, Transport and Works and in 1969 he was sent to Luapula Province as Minister. In the autumn he went to London as Zambia’s High Commissioner and stayed until November 1970 when he was appointed Minister of Southern Province.

On June 1, 1971, he returned to Lusaka as Minister of Health for a second term and gave fresh impetus to the extension of hospital services and the provision of new medical equipment at hospitals. The following year he was switched to be Minister of Local Government and Housing. The border crisis with Rhodesia in January 1973 made him more belligerent than any other cabinet Minister. He angrily warned that any false move by the Rhodesians and “we shall make Vietnam child’s play”.

Membership

Central Committee, United National Independence Party (UNIP) since 1971.

Personality

One of the most experienced administrators in the government, having held seven different ministerial posts in the first eight years of independence, including two periods as Minister of Health. His long training as a civil servant before independence and his year as High Commissioner in London have given him mature judgment, although at times he gives vent to highly emotional statements not always in the best interests of diplomacy. A chubby, friendly figure at ease in company but apt to be cynical about what he calls the kindness with which whites have been treated in black Africa.

Interests

• Fishing, bird shooting, group discussion and photography.

Connections

Married Grace J. Mukahlera in 1957.

Spouse:

Grace J. Mukahlera