President Sata’s burial day declared holiday

Government has declared Tuesday, 11th November, the day President Michael Sata will be put to rest a public holiday in honor of the late President.

And Government has advised members of the public to ignore e-mails perceived to be coming from the First Lady asking for financial help, saying they are nothing but spam.

Speaking during a media briefing this afternoon, Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska says government is saddened that some people want to take advantage of the death of the Head of State to acquire wealth through dubious means.

Dr. Msiska says government will tomorrow announce the official bank account which twell wishers can use to deposit money towards the funeral of President Sata.

And Dr. Msiska has advised members of the public not to go to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport tomorrow to receive the remains of President Sata but stand along Great East road to avoid congesting the airport.

Meanwhile A requiem mass in honour of the late republican President Michael Sata has been in London at the Church of Our Lady in St. Johns Wood in north-west London.

The funeral church service was presided by Bishop Nicholas Hudson with the Concelebrant being Father Clement Mukuka the Zambian Chaplain.

Those in attendance at the church service included members of the former first family, Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba, Gender Minister Inonge Wina and Zambians living in the UK.

During the requiem mass, Bible summons were read and tributes paid to the former head State.

Lusaka Mayor and the late President’s eldest son Mulenga Sata read one of the Bible summons.

And President Sata’s youngest son Gerald sang his father’s favorite worship song in paying tribute to him.

And Mr. Chikwanda who is leading a delegation of Ministers to London has described President Sata as a home hero for the Zambian people and beyond the country’s borders.

Mr Chikwanda says President Sata’s death is therefore very devastating.

And Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba has expressed government’s gratitude to the former first family and late Dr. Christine Kaseba for the support they gave Mr. Sata in his execution of his duties on behalf of the Zambian government.

He says government is also grateful to Zambians living in the United Kingdom for tuning in up in numbers for the requiem mass for late President Sata.

Mr. Kalaba says government is also aware the death of Mr. Sata at the time that country was celebrating its Golden Jubilee is an affirmation of the need for entrenched peace that Zambia has continued to enjoy.

President Sata’s remains will later this evening embark on a long final journey back home, and will arrive in the country tomorrow morning at about 10:00 hours.