Guy Scott’s family breaks silence after years of political spite
…. exposes past mistreatment, thanking President Hichilema and a dedicated funeral committee for a respectful send-off
By DAVID KANDUZA
THE family of late Guy Scott has broken its silence regarding the political isolation and disrespect the former Vice President suffered under the previous administration, revealing that he was once denied access to the VIP facility at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
Speaking during the emotional final send-off of the late statesman at Leopard’s Hill Memorial Park on Monday, July 20, 2026, family representative Emmanuel Chenda thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for stepping in to restore the dignity and respect that had been stripped away from the national icon.
The revelation highlighted the turbulent political fallout that followed the death of fifth Republican President Michael Sata in 2014.
After Dr Scott successfully managed a highly volatile three-month transition as acting President, subsequent political regimes effectively sidelined him.
The family disclosed a stinging incident in Livingstone—the very town where Dr Scott was born—where airport authorities barred the former Head of State from using the designated VIP lounges.
This act of political small-mindedness stood in stark contrast to his monumental service to the nation.
The narrative changed when President Hichilema took office.
The Head of State not only re-engaged Dr Scott for wise counsel but also institutionalised the care and retirement benefits of former Vice Presidents.
The family highly commended Mr Hichilema for choosing to accord Dr Scott a full State Funeral, capped off with a 17-gun salute by the Zambia Army.
The dignified burial process effectively reversed years of State-sponsored neglect, bringing together multi-partisan mourners under the banner of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’.
Beyond the presidency, the Scott family extended heartfelt appreciation to the individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to manage the logistics of the five-day national mourning period.
In a deeply moving moment during the ceremony, Bradford Machila the Principal Private Secretary at State House was formally invited to lay a wreath on behalf of President Hichilema by the family as a special friend who stood by the late Dr Scott throughout his life and political journey.
Their collective efforts ensured that the late leader, who died on July 15, 2026, at the age of 82, was interred with absolute decorum.