By REBECCA MUSHOTA-
ZAMBIANS in the United States and in South Africa have conducted a remembrance service for the late President Michael Sata.
Zambians in Dallas, Texas yesterday held a remembrance service for President Sata to reflect on his leadership and pray for a smooth transition of power after the period of national mourning.
According to the Zambia blog talk radio, Zambian Ambassador to the US Palan Mulonda said the death of President Sata was a dark chapter for Zambians.
Zambians should remain steadfast during this difficult time and call on God for his guidance.
He was grateful that many communities and associations in America were holding remembrance services to commemorate the life of President Sata.
In Johannesburg, several tearful congregants thronged the Our Lady of the Wayside Parish Catholic Church in Maryvale to pay their respects to the late Head of State.
The service was presided over by two Zambian Catholic Priests, Fr Vincent Chileya and Fr Evans Chendaeka, both based in South Africa.
Fr Chileya said President Sata was a well-known person to many in Zambia because he associated with people regardless of their background.
The priest, who had a personal experience with the late President, described Mr Sata as a warm person who always loved to joke.
Fr Chileya remembered that President Sata was so connected to God such that he would attend more than one church service in a day at Lusaka’s St Ignatius Catholic Church.
“Even when we know that death is a reality, we still find it difficult to accept but I urge everyone to realise that this is part of the journey that we will all go through,” Fr Chileya said.
This is contained in a statement released by the First Secretary for Press at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa, Nicky Shabolyo.
Charge d’ Affaires at Zambia’s High Commission to South Africa, Joe Kaunda, said it was sad that Zambia was again already in mourning after the passing of a third President, Dr Levy Mwanawasa in 2008.
Although it is expected that everyone will die one day, the passing of President Sata came as a shock not only to Zambia, but the world as a whole.
“Someone as special and with unique leadership qualities as President Sata will never be forgotten. He will remain in our hearts for as long as we live,” he said.
He pointed out that Zambia’s economy grew by more than six per cent per annum, well above the Sub-Saharan Africa average, while inflation has been contained within single-digits.
The export sector, especially non-traditional exports, grew significantly with agricultural exports exceeding US$1 billion, the highest in the history of the country.
Mr Kaunda further noted that as a mark of growing investor confidence, Foreign Direct Investment has continued to grow reaching the peak of US$1.73 billion in 2012, the highest in 12 years.
“This is a reflection of the improved investment environment in the country, made possible by policy consistency and workable pro-private sector strategies under the able leadership of our departed hero,” Mr Kaunda said.