NGOCC DISAPPOINTED OVER THE FAILURE TO RESOLVE IMPASSE AND BURIAL OF THE 6TH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT IN SOUTH IN SOUTH AFRICA
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
21st June 2025
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) expresses deep disappointment over the failure by both the Government and the family of the late 6th Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to amicably resolve the impasse surrounding his burial.
It is disheartening that a matter of such national importance, involving a former Head of State, has culminated in a decision to bury him outside the country, thereby depriving countless Zambians—especially ordinary citizens—the opportunity to pay their final respects to a man who played a significant role in the democratic life of our nation.
We believe that dialogue, empathy, and unity should have prevailed over division. Unfortunately, how this situation has been handled sets a very unfortunate and dangerous precedence for the future, and casts Zambia in a negative light on the global stage, as a country unable to rise above political and personal differences even in mourning.
As mothers, we specifically sympathize with the immediate spouse, Ms. Esther Lungu, during this very difficult time. It was our hope that her grief would be cushioned by a more cordial send off for her departed partner.
We urge national leaders and all stakeholders to reflect deeply on this episode and ensure that such divisions never again overshadow moments of national mourning and unity.
ISSUED:
for/NGOCC
Ms. Beauty Katebe
NGOCC CHAIRPERSON
Ba Katebe, when are going to work up? PF & the Lungu family are a criminal syndicate. The were really not interested in any repatriation or negotiations. They put up those conditions knowing the government was not going to accept. The so called Lungu spokesman Makebi was taken to SA to facilitate the purchasing of the house. Nakachinda’s appearance on SA live media was a strategic diversion while they were busy looking for a house and do a quick purchase. Buying a house doesn’t take a single day. To accelerate the process they had to bring a lawyer to collaborate with local lawyers to make this happen very quickly using a stash of stolen cash. So all the noise about reaching an impulse with the government was made to deceive many people who were generally sad for Lungu’s demise. This is typical Lungu, his family and PF who don’t care about anyone. They are lawlessness and if it means breaking the law to achieve their goal, they will do so without blinking.
NGOCC, please note that the family has decided and there’s little else that anyone can do. When ECL died, the family didn’t even bother to inform the Zambian government first. When Rupiah Banda was on his last legs, his family informed HH and he went to see him. And when RB died, the family informed HH first, and as sitting president, HH disclosed to the country.