By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE –

GOVERNMENT says it is happy with Archbishop of Lusaka, Telesphore Mpundu’s remarkable health improvement since his evacuation to South Africa on Sunday.
President Edgar Lungu ordered the evacuation of Archbishop Mpundu to South Africa for specialist treatment following the clergy’s admission to Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba and his Tourism and Arts counterpart, Jean Kapata yesterday visited the archbishop at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa where he is admitted.
This is contained in a statement released by press secretary at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa, Nicky Shabolyo.
Mr Kalaba said he was happy with the impressive progress  made by Archbishop Mpundu especially that he was in high spirits.
He said Government was committed to ensuring that Archbishop Mpundu received the necessary support so that he could quickly recover and return to his duties.
“We were worried before we came and we were constantly asking the High Commissioner how you are doing. Now we see that you are in high spirits and we feel relaxed” Mr Kalaba told the Archbishop.
Mr Kalaba further said that it was Government’s prayer for the Prelate’s quick recovery so that he could continue with his good works for the nation.
“Otherwise, we are all well at home and everyone is looking forward to your return,” he said.
Ms Kapata said Government was thankful for the life of Archbishop Mpundu and would continue praying for his quick recovery.
A jovial Archbishop Mpundu told the two  ministers that he was feeling much better and was honoured and grateful to President Edgar Lungu for facilitating his evacuation to South Africa.
“I am feeling much better; I am feeling on top of the world. I am in high spirits and with this mood, I can even leave hospital now. The facilitation has been excellent. Please convey my personal gratitude to His Excellency the President. Words are inadequate to express my thanks,” the Archbishop said.
Margaret Mpundu who is Archbishop Mpundu’s sister and Chairperson of the Priest Council, Father Leonard Namuhumba have been at the archbishop’s bedside.
Out-going Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Muyeba Chikonde and officers from the High Commission accompanied the two ministers to the hospital.