GOVERNMENT is actively engaged in consultations with the family of the late former president Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front (PF) party to finalise arrangements for his repatriation and funeral, Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa announced yesterday.
Speaking from Kenya via a live Facebook video, Mweetwa acknowledged delays in the initially planned repatriation of Lungu’s remains from South Africa, where he passed away on June 5, 2025.
The body of the former president was scheduled to be in the country yesterday but Government through the secretary of the cabinet Patrick Kangwa confirmed that it would be repatriated on the scheduled day but on the date to be communicated soon.
“Certain intervening variables have since taken place to which those announced programmes have been overtaken by events,” Mweetwa stated.
He said the government understands and respects the decisions made in this regard but stated that a consultative meeting between government officials, the Lungu family, and PF leadership is underway in South Africa to agree on a way forward.
Mweetwa revealed that Secretary to Cabinet joined the Zambian delegation in South Africa, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe to facilitate discussions given the nature of the transaction of this particular funeral.
The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to respecting the wishes of the grieving family.
“At the end of the day, regardless of the various positions one may hold during the subsistence of their life, they still belong to a family, and the family should have a fundamental say and decision taken as to how the processes regarding to how they will be put to rest must be conducted,” Mweetwa said.
Addressing public concerns and statements from various people, Mweetwa appealed for calm and cautioned against politicising the funeral.
He dismissed claims by the PF Vice President, Given Lubinda, that President Hakainde Hichilema did not announce Lungu’s death.
Mweetwa clarified that President Hichilema was the first on behalf of the Zambian government to announce the demise, allowing the family to confirm the occurrence first.
He cited precedents for presidential death announcements, including those of founding President Kenneth Kaunda and former President Rupiah Banda, which were made by the Secretary to Cabinet and Chief Government Spokesperson, respectively.
Mweetwa reiterated President Hichilema’s directive for a dignified and respectful send-off for the former head of state.
He emphasized that the designated mourning venue, Belvedere Lodge, is intended to accommodate all well-wishers, including international dignitaries, who may require a neutral space to offer condolences, without necessarily having to visit a political party secretariat.
“There should be no misunderstanding here that there is politics. Yes, there is politics, but Zambians are known for one thing, whenever we are faced with such a calamity, we come together,” Mweetwa asserted,
He urged citizens and the PF to prioritise national unity and patriotism during this period of mourning.
The nation is expected to receive a further briefing on the outcome of the ongoing consultations, which will provide a clear guideline for the remaining funeral arrangements.
Kalemba June 12, 2025
