Zambian politician, Mpombo dies, remembered for unconventional use of complex language

Former Defence Minister George Wello Mpombo has died after a short illness, family members confirmed. Mpombo passed away on September 22, 2024, at Ndola Teaching Hospital, where he had been admitted for two days.

Key facts about George Mpombo:

Early Life: George Mpombo was born on July 14, 1949, in Kabwe, Zambia.

Education: He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Zambia.

Political Career: Mpombo served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kafulafuta Constituency from 1991 to 2011 and was Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2006.

He held various ministerial roles, including Minister of Energy and Water Development (2006-2009), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2009-2011), and Deputy Minister of Finance (2011-2012).

Political Journey: Mpombo, representing Kafulafuta under the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), served under Presidents Levy Mwanawasa and Rupiah Banda.

In 2012, Mpombo joined the Patriotic Front (PF) after leaving the MMD. He was expelled from the PF in 2015 and later founded the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2016.

Mpombo was known for his criticism of former President Rupiah Banda’s government for corruption, opposition to Edgar Lungu’s third-term bid, and advocacy for constitutional reforms.

Mpombo, who died at age 70, will be remembered for his frequent use of complex language and elaborate words in media appearances, often drawing attention for their unnecessary complexity.

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