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REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT Michael Sata who died on October 28, two weeks ago will be buried today.
In a programme released by Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska, Mr Sata 77 will be buried at Embassy park in Lusaka alongside late republican Presidents Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa.
The late Mr Sata died at King Edward VII hospital Beaumont central London at 23:11 hours Zambian time on Tuesday, October 28. He was born on July 6, 1937.
Over the last two weeks, a cross section of people in and outside the country have mourned Mr Sata.
Both the ruling party and opposition political parties in separate interviews by journalists in Lusaka yesterday bemoaned the death of Mr Sata.
PF Secretary general Edgar Lungu told Journalists yesterday that Mr Sata stood for the people and did everything for them hence he would be greatly missed by the party.
Fourth republican President Rupiah Banda said Zambia was known by the United Nations and the international community as a peaceful country and urged Zambians to remain united.
Opposition UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said the loss of Mr Sata was not easy for the people in the ruling PF leadership and expressed hope that they would find a way forward.
He called on Zambians to remain united and peaceful during the period of mourning.
Mr Hichilema further said there was need to hasten the enactment of the new Constitution to avoid un necessary by-elections.
Mr Hichilema said Presidential by-elections could be avoided if the new constitution which provides for running mate is enacted.
Zambians should embrace peace and unity as a sign of dignity for the late president.
Mr Hichilema said Zambians should be calm and peaceful during the funeral period and after burial in order to ensure development in the country.
The late President Sata did his best for Zambia hence the need to mourn him in peace, unity and dignity.
He said it is regrettable that President Michael Sata has died before concluding his term as Head of State saying the late president still had work to do.
He noted that the late President worked hard to form his party, adding that it was not easy to form a political party in an African set up.
Mr Hichilema would contest the Presidential elections but would give details after Mr Sata’s burial.
National Restoration Party (NAREP) leader Elias Chipimo said Mr Sata’s desire was to see infrastructure development in Zambia and it was important to mourn him in a dignified manner.
Mr Sata also had the ability to unite with Zambians regardless of their status.
Source:http://ukzambians.co.uk