Lusaka, 23rd June 2025 – The Zambian government was honoured to receive a courtesy call from Mr. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, who conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa following the passing of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
During the meeting, President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister Lamola held a meaningful and respectful discussion regarding the burial arrangements for the late President. The Zambian government reaffirmed its firm position that His Excellency Mr. Lungu should be laid to rest in his homeland, the Republic of Zambia.
President Hichilema expressed sincere gratitude to President Ramaphosa and the South African government for the care extended to the late President Lungu during his period of illness. He also extended apologies to the South African National Defence Force for the unforeseen logistical challenges encountered during the repatriation of the late President’s remains on Wednesday, 18th June 2025.
“We deeply appreciate the solidarity and support from our South African brothers and sisters during this period of national mourning,” said President Hichilema. “The legacy of President Lungu will be honoured in accordance with Zambian traditions and the wishes of his family.”
