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Patriotic Front (PF) faction Vice President, Given Lubinda, has announced the party’s plans to hold a memorial service for Zambia’s fifth President, Michael Sata, at the Cathedral of Child Jesus, ahead of the official service organised by the state.
According to the programme for the 10th memorial of the late President, the official service will take place at the Anglican Cathedral in Lusaka, with President Hakainde Hichilema as guest of honor.
In a media briefing on Sunday, Lubinda invited PF members to attend the alternative service in green attire to honor Sata’s legacy.
“We are grateful to the Catholic Church for allowing us to hold a service at the Cathedral of Child Jesus. All who loved the late President should join us tomorrow,” Lubinda stated.
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He also dismissed alleged detractors who criticized PF’s decision to hold a separate service, asserting that the party remained committed to celebrating Sata’s life.
President Sata passed away on October 28, 2014, in a London hospital.
Government protocol mandates state involvement in the first, fifth and 10th anniversaries for Presidents who pass away while in office.
Meanwhile, Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has voiced his commitment to “rescue” the Patriotic Front (PF) party, claiming many Zambians regret sidelining him in the 2021 elections.
He expressed determination to protect the nation’s interests and uphold the vision of late President Michael Sata.
Speaking on Emmanuel Mwamba’s podcast, Lungu described his electoral defeat as “God’s will” and suggested it had allowed Zambians to “see the difference.”
He added, “It surprised me that people still do not understand why they voted for the United Party for National Development (UPND).”
Lungu disclosed that he chose not to challenge the 2021 election results to maintain national peace.
However, he revealed that his recent decision to re-enter politics stems from concerns over what he sees as external efforts to divide the PF, allegedly backed by UPND.
“I became President through the PF and shared Sata’s vision for a better Zambia. Abandoning the PF for a pension from Mr. Hichilema would have been the ultimate betrayal,” Lungu stated.
Addressing controversies surrounding the recent memorial service for Sata, Lungu criticized those he accused of attempting to “hijack” the ceremony, comparing their actions to “witchcraft.”
“It’s like someone bewitching your son, then taking over his funeral. Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, a Catholic himself, should have prevented this from happening in a church that Sata belonged to,” Lungu said.
Additionally, he claimed to have received information about an alleged plan by the Joint Investigative Team to raid his son Dalitso’s farm on the memorial day.
Lungu accused authorities of spreading rumors that his son had fled Zambia while his passport was still in government possession.
The former president concluded by reaffirming his commitment to protect the PF’s legacy, vowing to be a “voice for Zambians.”
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