The South African government says it hopes the Constitutional Court’s refusal to hear an appeal by former President Edgar Lungu’s family against the repatriation of his body will allow Mr. Lungu to be buried in Zambia.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says his government is optimistic that the Zambian government and the Lungu family will agree on burial arrangements, noting that South Africa has always encouraged dialogue.
Mr. Lungu died on June 5, 2025, but his burial site remains unresolved.
On August 26, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu confirmed that the government had approached the family for negotiations.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, leading the government’s team, said Zambia intends to accord the late President a dignified send-off befitting a former Head of State.
By Darius Choonya
