By Memory Nyambe
The United Kingdom and the Peoples’ Republic of China have joined Zambians in mourning the death of former republican President, Rupiah Banda.
British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley, in a message from Queen Elizabeth has expressed profound condolences to the Banda family, while acknowledging the bilateral ties shared between the two Nations.
And Peoples’ Republic of China Charge De Affairs, Lai Be has equally described the late president Banda as an iconic statesman who embraced anyone regardless of their status in society.
The two made the remarks when they consoled the former first lady Thandiwe Banda at Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, the family of Zambia’s founding President, Kenneth Kaunda, has Implored citizens to celebrate the life of the Fourth republican president and his contributions of peace and unity in the nation.
Zambian opposition political party presidents among them Movement for Multi-Party Democracy’s Dr. Nevers Mumba, New Heritage Party’s Chishala Kateka and UNIP’s Bishop Trevor Mwamba say the death should be a reminder of how valuable former heads of state are to the nation.