.Sata

By CHARITY MOONGA, SYLVIA MWEETWA and MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –

THE Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has joined in mourning President Michael Sata.
ZUJ general secretary Angela Chishimba said the President will be remembered as a leader who believed in a free press, as seen during his reign.
“During his reign, there was high level of freedom in terms of journalists expressing themselves. Our thoughts are with First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata and the entire family at this moment of grief,” Ms Chishimba said.
United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema also conveyed condolences to the First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, the Sata family, the Patriotic Front (PF), Government and the entire nation on the tragic loss.
He appealed for calm and peace during the difficult period and mourning of the late Mr Sata and remember the contributions he made to the nation.
Mr Sata dedicated his entire life to serve Zambia and the strength of character he showed in fighting battles was testimony to the strongman he was. He was never afraid to take difficult decisions, nor of the reactions of other people to those decisions.
The Forum for Democratic Alternatives president Ludwig Sondashi called on the nation to put political differences and ideas aside and embrace humility and oneness during the period of mourning.
“It is with great sadness that I learnt the death of President Sata and at this time of mourning I urge all Zambians to be united and to give President Sata a befitting send off, this is a second time we have experiencing such a tragedy of losing a sitting head of state and therefore lets stand united,” he said.
Adedo Zamucano President Brown Kapika said from the Hague in Netherlands that he received the death of Mr Sata with sadness.
“Our late President stood tall enough as a human being of unique qualities not to need to be seen as a saint,” Mr Kapita eulogised.
Genuine People’s Party spokesperson Trevor Simumba called for dignity in mourning the late President.
The party has since postponed its launch which was to take place on Thursday November 13, 2014 to a later date in view of the national mourning.
Some pirated taxi drivers openly wept in Kabwe, describing the death of President Sata as heartbreaking.
The drivers convened within the city centre and said the death of the Head of State was a bitter pill to swallow because he fought the plight of the vulnerable and the oppressed.
Maxwell Banda, who spoke on behalf of others, said they received the news of his death with disbelief.
some street vendors said they were able to earn a living by selling in the streets because of Mr Sata.
Kabwe Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Sydney Tembo sent his message of condolences to the people of Zambia and asked for unity and to seek God’s guidance.
In Kitwe, the street vendors are worried about their welfare following Mr Sata’s passing.
In a message of condolences issued by the United Street Vendors Foundation in Kitwe yesterday, the vendors said death has deprived them of a leader who was passionate about their welfare.
Association district coordinator Paul Kamusa said in Mr Sata, death had deprived the vendors a caring father and President who was truly passionate about the welfare of street vendors.
National Traders and Marketeers Association of Zambia (NATMAZ) president Goodson Mofya said President Sata demonstrated that he was a President for the poor and lived his life to better the lives of the poor.
Kitwe Mayor Kelvin Sinyangwe said the best way to mourn President Sata was for the people to remain peaceful and united during this period of mourning.
Democratic Governance and Human Rights Advocates (DEGHA) national coordinator Gerald Mutelo said the President worked beyond partisan lines through infrastructure development such as roads, schools, and health facilities.
Mr Mutelo said President Sata had promoted development through the creation of new districts in rural areas.
He said the creation of the Ministries of Art and Traditional Affairs had also promoted and protected the interest of artistes and traditional leaders for the first-time in the country.
Meanwhile, Democratic Assembly President Maxwell Mwamba said Zambians should be united as the nation mourned the president.
Mr Mwamba said Government should seek God’s guidance as they lead the nation.