Mainza Chona was a Zambian politician and diplomat who served as the Vice President of Zambia, was and also the Prime Minister of Zambia twice. Born in Nampeyo, he was a bright child and received a scholarship from the British colonial government to study law in England. After completing his studies, he undertook a proactive role in political activities under the guidance of Kenneth Kaunda soon after his return to Northern Rhodesia. He became the first President of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the party that paved the way to Zambia’s independence. Although he later stepped down from his post for Kaunda, he played a key role in Zambia's development which is evident by the number of government positions he held. Subsequently, he was appointed the Vice President of Zambia and later became the first Prime Minister of the country in the cabinet of Kaunda. He also served as an Ambassador to the United States of America, the People’s Republic of China, and France