Zyambo hails ruling on ECL burial impasse

By MUBITA KATETE

THE setting aside of the South African High Court political judgement that had ordered the family of late former President Edgar Lungu to surrender his remains to the Zambian government is a victory for justice, human dignity and the rule of law, David Zyambo has observed.

Mr Zyambo, a strategist and policy advisor has welcomed the ruling by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal that has dismissed an application by the Zambian government demanding rights to the remains of Mr Lungu.

In a statement, Mr Zyambo said the court’s decision had brought closure to what he termed a painful chapter for the late president’s family and friends.

“With this ruling, justice did not just win, it worked. The right to mourn and honour the final wishes of the deceased belongs fundamentally to the family, never to the state,” he said.

Mr Zyambo praised the South African judiciary for what he described as independence and integrity, saying the decision demonstrated the importance of protecting individual rights regardless of political circumstances.

“What we witnessed from the South African judiciary is the exact kind of independence and integrity that anchors a free society,” he said.

He also expressed sympathy with former First Lady Esther Nyawa Lungu, Tasila Lungu and the wider Lungu family, saying no family should endure such an experience during a period of mourning.

Mr Zyambo urged all stakeholders, including the government, to respect the court’s decision and allow the former president to be buried in peace.

“The only right thing left to do is for everyone, including the Zambian government, to respect this decision with grace and finally allow Edgar Chagwa Lungu to be laid to rest with the dignity and respect he deserves,” he said.

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