The family of the late former President Edgar Lungu, whose body has been in a mortuary for more than two months due to a burial dispute, says it is prepared to wait as long as necessary if the ongoing court case drags on.
Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu said the only priority for the family is to ensure that Zambia’s sixth President, who passed away on June 5 in South Africa, is given a dignified burial.
“The family is more concerned about what will give him a dignified burial. That is the main issue,” Mr Zulu stated. “If the court process takes longer, we are ready to wait until he is buried in a manner that is dignified—not a mockery.”
He made the remarks during an interview with South Africa’s Newzroom Afrika TV, responding to questions following a recent South African High Court ruling directing that Mr Lungu’s remains be repatriated to Zambia for burial. This ruling goes against the family’s wish for a private burial.
The family has since launched an appeal against the judgment, arguing that the decision infringes on their rights.
“…not a judgment that strips the family of its rights, especially the right to dignity, which has been violated. That right must be respected,” Mr Zulu stressed.
When asked to define what a dignified burial meant and to clarify the South African Government’s possible role if the burial were to take place there, Mr Zulu said:
“A dignified burial is anything that does not mock the legacy of Edgar Changwa Lungu or bring shame to his family. Our intention was to bury him here in South Africa privately. The family’s wish remains to hold a private burial.
“If invitations are to be issued, they will only go to those who truly need to be there, with full respect to the South African Government for allowing him to receive medical treatment here. But if such arrangements risk straining diplomatic relations, we will proceed with an entirely private burial.”
Mr Zulu added that the family respects South Africa’s position and has no desire to create tension between South Africa and Zambia.
“In this matter, death and burial are deeply personal. The remains of the deceased belong to the family, and we want that fact to be respected—subject only to the permissions the family grants.
