Zambia’s former president Lungu to be buried in SA

By Staff Reporter

FAMILY of the former sixth president of Zambia, announced that the funeral and burial of the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place in South Africa.

This was announced in a press statement issued  by Hon. Makebi Zulu , Family Spokesperson on Friday afternoon, June 20, 2025 saying this was in “accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony”.

“On behalf of the Lungu family, we wish to announce that the funeral and burial of our beloved Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony.

This period has been deeply emotional for family, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences extended to the family from across the continent and the globe.

We would especially like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support and for honouring the family’s decision to hold a private funeral and burial here in South Africa.” Said a statement

“Your non-interference and respect of the South African Constitution and rights of the family and the desire of the family is commendable and will give space to mourn and celebrate the life of our loved Edgar Chagwa Lungu in dignity and peace.

The visit of the Honourable Minister for International Relations, Mr Ronald Lamola, was heartwarming when he came to convey a message of condolences on behalf of President Cyril Ramaposa.

The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time and thanks all friends, supporters, and members of the public for their understanding, compassion and willingness to mourn the former head of state who, as it has been resolved by the family, will be buried here in Johannesburg South Africa at a private funeral.”

He died on  June 5, 2025 from undisclosed illness at  Mediclinic Medforum Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.The repatriation of his body to Zambia for state funeral and burial was marred between family and the Zambian government with war of words saying that the family demanded that Lungu’s political opponent , President Hichilema should not attend his funeral.

This came after Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema addressed the nation on Thursday and cancelled the declared 16-day national mourning.

He said that “Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning.We have done everything possible to engage the family of our departed sixth Republican President, and we have reached a point where a clear decision has to be made.”

Late Lungu, aged 68, ruled Zambia for one-term from 2015 to 2021, after he lost his second term to President Hichilema. He was on the fore-front to contest for the next presidential election slated for next year 2026.

ENDS…