Conflicting statements have emerged regarding former President Edgar Lungu’s current visit to South Africa, with government officials and the opposition-led Tonse Alliance offering differing accounts of the purpose of his trip.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Information and Media announced that Mr. Lungu is in South Africa receiving medical treatment and is recovering well after completing a round of chemotherapy.
Speaking on behalf of government, Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana called for political actors to refrain from involving the former president in partisan matters while he focuses on his recovery.
“Let us give President Lungu an opportunity to rest and recuperate,” said Mr. Kawana.
He also stressed that there is no enmity between President Hakainde Hichilema and Mr. Lungu, adding that the two leaders remain in regular communication. The government further appealed to the public to keep the former president in their prayers.
However, in a sharp rebuttal, Tonse Alliance spokesperson Sean Tembo has today denied that Mr. Lungu is undergoing chemotherapy or receiving medical treatment in South Africa.
Speaking during a Facebook livestream, Mr. Tembo said the former head of state had not communicated any such health-related information to the government or to members of the Alliance, of which Mr. Lungu serves as Chairperson. He further rubbished claims that President Hichilema and Former President Lungu are in constant communication.
“President Lungu is ready to return as soon as results for his latest tests are out,” Tembo stated.
The conflicting narratives have raised fresh questions about transparency and communication between government and opposition, as well as within the Alliance itself. Some observers view the government’s statement as an attempt to temper public speculation, while others interpret it as an overreach into the private affairs of a political rival.
Meanwhile, members of the public have taken to social media expressing both concern and confusion, with some calling for clarity and others urging respect for Mr. Lungu’s privacy during what may be a vulnerable period.
As both sides maintain their positions, it remains unclear whether former President Lungu will issue a personal statement to clarify the purpose of his trip.
By Rachel Mumba
