Maria Merian, one such famous artist from the 17th century, was recently celebrated for her works at an exhibition at Buckingham Palace last October. Merian’s work which featured detailed drawings of plants and insects are preserved to this day in private and academic collections all over the world. I confess I knew nothing about Maria before this week. Having now seen specimens of her incredible body of work, I can only imagine the sensation she would have created in her time with the quality and eye for detail that brought her drawings to life – and on a subject like insects, of all things, which were her passion. They are immensely, strikingly beautiful. We hope the artists of ‘Nature Nurtured’ will receive the same appreciation. The artists in this exhibition do much more than record what anybody with a handphone can manage these days. They immerse us in the natural wonders that surround us, from the bustling cities to the more distant hinterlands. Whatever the setting, every one of the artists has a visual story to tell, informed by research and many hours spent to observe and understand the subjects of their artistic creations. These are not just snapshots, in many ways they tell us as much about the artist as they do their subjects. If people centuries ago could be thrilled by pictures of insects, then surely these artists can reignite a deeper appreciation in all of us of our environment.
Caleb M Fundanga: Corporate social responsibility in Zambia Speech by Dr Caleb M Fundanga, Governor of the Bank of Zambia, at the Launch of the Mukuyu Tree (Slave Tree), Kabwe, 23 December 2006. *  *  *  • The Provincial Minister of Central Province • Hon. Sydney Chisanga, MP • Hon. Rev. Gladys Nyirongo, MP, Minister of Lands • Hon. Kakusa, MP • Your Worship, the Mayor of Kabwe, Mr Richard Yumbe • The Deputy Mayor of Kabwe, Mr Edward Phiri • The Town Clerk, Mrs Vivian Chikoti • Distinguished Invited Guests • Ladies and Gentlemen A very good afternoon to you all. It gives me immense pleasure to be here this afternoon in the town of Kabwe, which also happens to be the place in which I spent my childhood. As you are aware, we are here to celebrate the occasion of the lighting of the legendary MUKUYU TREE, popularly known as the Slave Tree. For many of you Kabwe residents present here, especially our senior citizens, this tree rekindles many happy memories of joyous occasions such as Christmas, Independence Day and Labour Day, when the TREE would shine brightly after being adorned with beautiful multi-fluorescent lights for all to admire. The MUKUYU TREE is one of Zambia’s national monuments. Its history spans more than a century of being part of the lives of the community in this area. Ladies and Gentlemen, This historic monument invokes memories of a sad but important aspect in our beautiful country’s history.