• FORMER First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa (centre) with People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti (right) and former State House private secretary Alfred Chipoya after the memorial of the late President Levy Mwanawasa at Embassy Park in Lusaka yesterday. Picture by CLEVER ZULU

By JOHNPAUL  MPUNDU and  PHELILE MWANDILA-
THE Mwanawasa family has appealed to the Government to declare August 19 as Mwanawasa Day, in honour of late Republican President Levy Mwanawasa, who passed away on this day in 2008.
Former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa said August 19 was an important day for the country and declaring it Mwanawasa Day was intended to convey the importance of leadership among youths by emulating Dr Mwanawasa’s lifestyle as a leader.
She said this during the sixth memorial anniversary of Dr Mwanawasa at the Embassy Park in Lusaka yesterday.
Dr Mwanawasa requested the Government to recognise the contribution that her late husband made towards the development of the country.
“This day is important to the family as well as the country, as it is intended to send out a message on the importance of leadership, especially to the youth. Leaders and those aspiring for leadership should emulate Mwanawasa’s leadership by learning from his strengths and weaknesses,” she said.
She also urged the leaders in the country to take leadership very seriously and ensure the people of Zambia were their first priority.
Dr Mwanawasa appealed to the Government to consider young people for higher governing positions, adding that people aspiring for leadership should also deal with issues affecting women and children.
Peoples’ Party President (PP) Mike Mulongoti said the late Dr Mwanawasa had set a legacy of good governance.
Mr Mulongoti said the late Dr Mwanawasa would be remembered for his integrity of acting upon his pledges, and encouraged Zambians to emulate his style of leadership.
Dr Mwanawasa died on August 19, 2008 at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France. He was 59 years old. (See Picture on Page 2)