FORMER South African High Commissioner to Zambia George Twala has shared how former president Edgar Lungu expressed deep affection for his wife, Esther, whom he said was there for him through it all.
Ambassador Twala said Lungu also expressed love and gratitude for his children whom he described together with Esther as the honours of his life.
Twala said in that moment, about two weeks ago, he learned that the former president truly loved his wife and family.
“In those moments, I did not see a politician. I saw a husband, a father, a believer, a humble man and ultimately, a servant of
the people.”
“He spoke candidly of how difficult the last few years had been, but how love had sustained him. ‘Brother George,’ he said emotionally, ‘I don’t know what I would have done without my dear wife and without the steadfast support of my family,'”shared Twala.
He said Lungu also expressed gratitude to PF and Tonse Alliance members who had shown him support throughout his difficult days.
“He also expressed deep gratitude to those who stood by him, his lawyer, Makebi Zulu, whom he called a brother; his administrative assistant Daniel Siwo; and his Aide-de-Camp, Mr. Chanda Chisanga, who remained at his side after he left office,” he stated.
Twala further said Lungu shared with him how he regretted making some mistakes whilst in power and hoped that new leaders would not have to take his route.
“He stressed that a good leader must not only listen to praise singers, but also to critics because many of them, he now believed, love their country just as dearly.”
“I wish I had embraced those voices more while I was in office,” Lungu confessed.
The former ambassador added that two weeks ago Lungu looked well.
“He was animated, thoughtful, and spoke with genuine hope about returning to Zambia,” Twala said during the requiem mass for the former president held in South Africa yesterday.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 11, 2025
