PF lawmakers have reached south Africa for former president Lungu’s private funeral

Some Members of Parliament from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) have started to arrive in South Africa to be part of the private funeral for former Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

The first ones to get there are Mpika MP Francis Kapyanga and Nakonde MP Lukas Simumba. Both of these lawmakers come from Muchinga Province, which is known as the PF’s political stronghold and is often called the party’s “bedroom” because of its strong support in past elections.

Kapyanga and Simumba are new MPs who joined Parliament after the 2021 general elections, where the PF lost power to the United Party for National Development (UPND) led by President Hakainde Hichilema.

“Hon. Lukas Simumba and I have just arrived safely in South Africa for the Boss’ funeral,” Kapyanga shared on his official Facebook page.

The burial of former President Lungu has been surrounded by controversy. His family chose to have a private funeral in South Africa, the place where he passed away, after a disagreement with the Zambian government about the conditions of a state funeral.

The government had first announced a national mourning period that was supposed to end on June 23. However, this mourning was suddenly called off after the family decided against bringing the former Head of State’s body back to Zambia.

Even with the disagreements, the Lungu family has confirmed that a private ceremony will take place in South Africa.