The South African government has permitted the Lungu family to bury the former President of Zambia in South Africa. The decision was communicated in a Tweet and an official statement from Dirco.
MEDIA STATEMENT
23 June 2025
MINISTER LAMOLA CONVEYS CONDOLENCES IN ZAMBIA, DISCUSSES REPOSE OF FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, MP, on Sunday concluded a high-level diplomatic mission to Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, as Presidential Special Envoy.
Minister Lamola was received by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, to whom he conveyed President Ramaphosa’s profound condolences on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.
Minister Lamola expressed solidarity with the Government and citizens of Zambia following the untimely passing of former President Edgar Lungu, assuring them of South Africa’s unwavering support during this period of national mourning.
In reaffirming the South African Government’s position, Minister Lamola emphasised that a state burial in Zambia represents the most fitting tribute to honour Former President Lungu’s distinguished legacy and service to the Zambian nation.
Concurrently, Minister Lamola acknowledged the legal obligation to respect the expressed wishes of the late former President’s immediate family.
He underscored the Government’s commitment to navigating this sensitive matter with the utmost dignity, grace, and mutual respect principles befitting the memory of a revered statesman and the enduring bonds between South Africa and Zambia.
The Minister extended prayers and sympathies to all affected by this loss and reiterated South Africa’s steadfast friendship with Zambia.
Link to statement on government website; https://dirco.gov.za/minister-lamola-conveys-condolences…/
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084
