SIMUTANYI CHALLENGES LAW MANDATING STATE BURIAL FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS AND VICE PRESIDENTS
By Elesani Phiri
Political Scientist Dr. Neo Simutanyi has challenged the decision to legislate the burial of former presidents and vice-presidents in Zambia, arguing that making government involvement mandatory could undermine the rights and wishes of bereaved families.
Dr. Simutanyi says matters relating to the burial of former heads of state should be handled through government policy rather than legislation, as families should retain a role in determining funeral and burial arrangements.
He notes that while government may establish a policy to honour former leaders and facilitate their funerals, turning such arrangements into a legal obligation removes the flexibility to accommodate the wishes of the deceased and their families.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Simutanyi has also criticized the process through which the provision was enacted, saying there was inadequate consultation before the law was passed.
He maintains that although the legislation may have been intended to prevent disputes between government and bereaved families, it could still generate controversy because burial arrangements are closely linked to family rights and cultural practices.
His comment follows revelations by Lawyer Dickson Jere, who submitted to a Parliamentary Committee in April 2026 during consideration of the Benefits of Former Presidents and Vice-Presidents Bill, with the amended law now providing that former presidents and vice-presidents who die while in or after leaving office shall be buried at a government-designated site and their funerals conducted according to state protocols.
PHOENIX NEWS