. Chinguta

By ETAMBUYU SANG’ANDU –
THE University of Zambia (UNZA) has described late lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Francis Chigunta (above) as a brilliant scholar who contributed positively to the development of the institution and the country.
Professor Chigunta, 47, was a development studies lecturer and researcher at the time of his death and also lectured at the University of Lusaka (UNILUS).
Acting UNZA vice-chancellor Mick Mwala said Prof Chigunta helped to develop and taught many courses at undergraduate level to thousands of students, thereby significantly contributing to national
development.
Dr Mwala was speaking at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka on Tuesday when he led scores of mourners at a church service in honour of Prof Chigunta who died on Sunday.
“He helped develop and taught many courses. He was also prominently featured in the media articulating various issues of national governance,” Dr Mwala said.
Prof Chigunta, who was the chairperson of a thematic group of the technical committee drafting the Republican Constitution, was also a former economic adviser to former President Rupiah Banda.
He was a member of the National Governing Council from 2009 to 2010, and contributed to UNZA’s growth.
At the time of his death, Prof Chigunta had more than 20 Master of Arts students under his supervision at UNZA.
UNILUS Executive Dean in the School of Education, Social Sciences and Technology, Daniel Bowasi, said Prof Chigunta brought many contributions to the development of the institution.
Transparency International Zambia executive director Goodwell Lungu said the organisation was saddened by death of Prof Chigunta, whom he described as an academic icon and governance activist.
Prof Chiguta was put to rest yesterday in Magoye area in Southern Province.
He is survived by a wife and six children.