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Michael Chilufya Sata

Herald Reporter
Sadc chairperson President Mugabe yesterday sent a condolence message to Zambia following the death of the country’s President Mr Michael Chilufya Sata at a London hospital on Tuesday evening.

President Mugabe said in a message to Zambia’s acting president Guy Scott that the region received the sad news with sorrow and grief.

He consoled Zambians on behalf of Zimbabwe, saying President Sata’s illustrious political career as he fought with unstinting commitment for the betterment of the lives of Zambians, would forever remain in the minds of Zimbabweans.

He said: “The people and governments of Southern African Development Community region received with sorrow and heartfelt grief, the sad news of the passing on of one of the region’s great leaders of peace, justice, equality and freedom, the late President of the Republic of Zambia, Michael Chilufya Sata.”

Through his life, said the Sadc chair, President Sata lived a humble life, as he identified with the everyday lives of the common masses of the Zambian people.

He said President Sata’s humble beginning provided hope for the down trodden and instilled a sense of selfless sacrifice.

“The legacy he left behind shall continue to inspire multitudes for generations. We would like to assure the people of Zambia that we are with them in spirit during this difficult moment in the history of their country as they mourn the loss of their democratically elected President,” said President Mugabe, who assumed the Sadc chairperson in August this year in Victoria Falls.

“We are sure that the people of Zambia will remain calm and peaceful as they cherish the legacy of the late President Sata.”

He appealed to Sadc members to observe days of mourning until President Sata had been buried.

On behalf of Zimbabwe, President Mugabe said he had learnt with a sense of deep shock and sadness of the passing on of President Sata.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey to you, and through you to the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies. Our heart goes to the family of the late President as they try to cope with the grief of their painful bereavement,” said President Mugabe.

He commended President Sata for his forthrightness in defending the principles of global governance enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and his fierce repudiation of the actions of those who seek to violate those principles.

To acting President Scott, President Mugabe said; “Your Excellency, we join you in mourning the departure of a dear comrade, brother and friend who was sincerely firm, and whose solidarity was absolute. Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you wisdom and strength as you guide your country during this difficult period. Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem,” he said.

President Sata died at King Edward VII Hospital Beaumont Central in London after leaving Lusaka with First Lady Dr Christine Kaeba-Sata and other close family members on October 20, 2014.