The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation sends its deepest condolences to the Zambian people following the death of President Michael Sata in the United Kingdom last night.
Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Bheki Radebe, said it is indeed a sad moment in the history of Zambia, particularly because this is a second incident in Zambia where a sitting Head of State dies in office.
“South Africa’s Parliament is in mourning with the Zambians. The support Zambia gave to South Africans during its struggle for freedom could never be surpassed,” Mr Radebe said.
President Sata died in a London’s King Edward VII Hospital last night where he was receiving medical treatment. President Levy Mwanawasa died of chest complications at a Paris Hospital in 2008. Mr Radebe said South Africa hopes the death of President Sata will not result in political opportunism in Zambia.
“President Sata was responsible for a stable economy and a functioning country. Following his death, stability in the region should remain a priority. SA finds solace in the fact that Zambia has never been a country that was ravaged by civil unrest; Zambians are tolerant by nature and understand democracy better than many,” said Mr Radebe.
He concluded: “The death of President Sata should be used to foster political tolerance in the region, Africa and the world.”
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Cell: 081 052 6060
Tel: 021 403 8041
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
