By Vincent Gunde
The family of the departed former Zambian Head of State Edgar Chagwa Lungu, says they are continuing to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time they have joined them in mourning for the country’s former President.
The family said they are thankful to all friends, supporters and members of the public for their understanding, compassion and willingness to mourn the former head of state who, as it has been resolved by the family, will be buried in Johannesburg-South Africa at a private funeral.
Writing in a communication dated 20th June, 2025 by Hon. Makebi Zulu, family spokesperson, said further details regarding the funeral arrangements and burial will be shared to the Zambian and South African public in due course.
Zulu said this period has been deeply emotional for family, and expressed grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences extended to the family from across the continent and the globe, saying there non -interference and respect of the South African Constitution is commendable.
“The rights of the family and the desire of the family is commendable and will give space to mourn and celebrate the life of our loved Edgar Chagwa Lungu in dignity and peace,’ reads the communication in part.
He said the visit of the Hon. Minister of International Relations in the South African government Mr. Ronald Lamola, was heartwarming when he came to convey a message of condolences on behalf of President Cyril Ramaposa.
Zulu extended his sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support and for honoring the family decision to hold a private funeral and burial in South Africa.
And back home in Zambia, members of the departed Zambian Head of State Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s political party are all in support of the decision the family has made to bury Lungu in South Africa on the claims that if one dies in prison, he is in prison.
The party members said Edgar Chagwa Lungu was made to die suffering saying they will mourn him suffering advising the government of President Hakainde Hichilema to stop insulting the former Head of State, Lungu.
They say every time the Government of Hakainde was speaking against Edgar Lungu that he was a thief saying to them, the late Edgar Lungu will continue to be their president and they don’t want government to be saying Lungu’s contributions to Zambia has been immerse.
“This statement that Lungu’s contributions to Zambia was so immense, you are annoying us, you never and .0ever recognized him as President, everything he did, you said he was a thief,” reads an extract of a speech made by a Zambia parliamentarian.
