President Sata put to rest

Late President Michael Sata has been put to rest at Embassy Park after a long funeral procession which begun with a requiem mass at National Heroes Stadium attended by thousands of people.

President Sata’s burial was attended by a number of African Heads of State and Government who included Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe his closest ally.

As President’s Sata’s casket was being lowered into the grave, the Zambia Army accorded its departed Commander-in-Chief a 21 gun salute while Zambia Air Force jets flew past.

The burial of the late President brings to an end the fourteen days mourning period the country has been observing.
President Sata 77 died in London on 28th October.

And President Sata’s widow Dr Christine Kaseba has described him as a man of very unique character and special attributes.

In her tribute to her late husband read for her by a family representative Emma Chibesakunda during a requiem mass at National Heroes Stadium this afternoon, Dr Kaseba described President Sata as the most God fearing, kind, generous, loving, resilient, considerate, honest, and wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Dr Kaseba also described her husband as the most forgiving and humble person she has ever met in her life.

She says President Sata was one person who understood the power of love and forgiving.

Dr Kaseba says cannot imagine a life ahead of her without her husband’s broad shoulders to lean on.

Dr Kaseba however says she is comforted by the fact that her husband died holding her hand, and that as she soldiers on, she is confident that President Sata will always hold her hand which will give her the capacity to stand up.

And President Sata’s eldest son Mulenga Sata has thanked the people of Zambia for the tremendous support they have shown to the Sata family during the last two week and the difficult period before that.

Mr Sata who is also Lusaka Mayor says it has not been an easy time for the Sata family, but that with the support of the Zambian people they have been strengthened.

And representing President Sata’s friends, former Chief Justice Mathew Ngulube says President Sata remained true to his all weather friends even when he became President.

Justice Ngulube says President Sata was a man full of ideas and impatient for the opportunity to try them out.

He says President Sata vowed to transform the rural areas and make them attractive to live in.

And speaking on behalf of the family, Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda says the death of President Sata is a litmus test to the collective resolve to carry on with his vision.

Mr Chikwanda says it is a challenge to the leadership of the country and particularly to those in the ruling Patriotic Front, to continue on the path of sustainable development peace and unity.

He says it is the hope of the Sata family that the peace that has characterized the mourning period will be maintained and consolidated.

Mr Chikwanda says those eying to replace President Sata should avoid indecent hate and do serious introspection.