Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa says government will do everything possible to participate and facilitate the repatriation of the remains of late former President Edgar Lungu who died last week in South Africa.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing today, Mr. Mweetwa who is also Chief Government Spokesperson said government has been deliberate not to engage too much, to give the Lungu family leverage to lead the way.
Mr. Mweetwa said government will ensure it respects the bereaved family by waiting for the decision which will be made from the consultative meeting.
He assured the public that the government is handling the situation with caution and respect for the bereaved family.
“Remain calm, your government is cautious. This is a funeral and not a political fun fair ,” Mr. Mweetwa urged the public.
Mr. Mweetwa has also disclosed that government assigned Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, to lead the Zambian delegates including Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, to South Africa to oversee the repatriation of the remains of the late former President Lungu.
He has since called on Zambians to come together the same way they did with former leaders and mourn the former leader with dignity and unity just like the One Zambia, One Nation motto states, regardless of the circumstances the country may be found in.
Mr. Mweetwa has further emphasized that Belvedere Lodge remains the official venue for mourning the late former President and urged political players not to display disorder as there is no profit.
Mr. Mweetwa said the nation will be updated following the conclusion of consultative meetings with the family, associates, and the leadership of the Patriotic Front (PF) regarding the repatriation and burial arrangements for the late former Head of State.
By Margaret Mwanza
