Msiska

By CHARITY MOONGA –
THE Government has declared Tuesday, November 11, 2014, the date of burial for the late President   Michael Sata, as a public holiday.
This is contained in a Cabinet circular signed by Secretary to the Cabinet Rowland Msiska.
The national mourning period would be held for 14 days effective Wednesday, October 29, 2014.
Mr Sata, whose body arrives in the country at 10:00hrs today, will be buried at Embassy Park and burial will be preceded by a requiem church service to be held at the Heroes National Stadium.
During the period of mourning, the Government has opened books of condolences which have been placed in Lusaka at Government House for ministers, deputy ministers and other dignitaries and State House for diplomats, visiting Heads of State and Government or their representatives.
All provincial and district administrations have been encouraged to open books of condolences in their respective areas.
Meanwhile, Dr Msiska has appealed to Zambians not to go to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as the body of the late President arrives today.
Dr Msiska said at a Press briefing that Zambians should instead line up along the route from the airport to Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) where the body will lie in state.
Mr Sata’s body will be received with a prayer by the appointed chaplain, the presidential salute, national anthem and a 21 gun salute.
It will be received at the airport by Acting President Guy Scott, PF secretary general Edgar Lungu, Cabinet ministers, top Government leaders, members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps,
the Judiciary, chiefs and many others.
Meanwhile, Dr Msiska has announced that the Government will come up with an account in which well-wishers could make contributions towards the funeral expenses.
He warned against being duped by some people purporting to be First Lady Christine Kaseba and in need of financial assistance.
The Government would release the details of the account that had been opened and it would be managed by the Government in the same manner that it manages the rest of the accounts.
Mr Sata’s body will be transported to MICC where body viewing will take place and will continue until November 10, when it will be taken to Parliament for inter-denominational prayers and later at Heroes Stadium for church service.
After the church service, the body would then be moved to Embassy Park for burial.