Zambian govt defends relationship with ex-president Lungu, explains why Mwamba was rejected by South African hospital

The government has urged politicians to refrain from politicising former President Edgar Lungu’s health, stating that he deserved space to recover fully while undergoing treatment in South Africa.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, revealed that Mr. Lungu was in South Africa receiving chemotherapy and was recovering well.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, Kawana said there had been too many statements made in Lungu’s name while he is away for medical reasons.

“There is no enmity between President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Lungu. In fact, the two are in constant communication,” Kawana stated.

He also addressed concerns surrounding the medical evacuation of former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM), who is currently serving a conviction.

Kawana explained that although government initially attempted to have him treated in a South African hospital, the facility declined on account of his legal status.

“The hospital refused to attend to him due to his status as a convict. His family later made alternative arrangements with another facility in South Africa, and we are still waiting for feedback from that hospital,” Kawana said.

He dismissed claims that government had blocked GBM from seeking treatment abroad.

“Such claims should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. We are cooperating with his family and authorities in South Africa, who have asked us to wait for clearance,” he added.

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Kawana further noted that the Ministry of Health continues to facilitate evacuations for Zambians needing critical care in countries such as India, Tanzania, and South Africa.

He also pointed to ongoing improvements in the country’s health infrastructure, including the revamping of the Cancer Diseases Hospital at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka and construction of similar facilities in Copperbelt and Southern provinces.

He cited the evacuations of the late opposition leader Edith Nawakwi and former First Lady Vera Chiluba for treatment in South Africa as examples of government’s non-partisan support for medical care.

“There was no enmity between President Hichilema and Ms. Nawakwi. In fact, government had been assisting her with access to medicine prior till her death,” Kawana said.

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