By More Matshediso
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has conveyed condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Zambia following the passing of that country’s President Michael Chilufya Sata.
The 77-year-old President Sata succumbed to death on Tuesday night at a London Hospital where he was being treated.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the entire Sata family as well as the government and people of Zambia,” said President Zuma.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), President Sata belongs to the generation of leaders produced by Zambia during the colonial times and gallantly pursued the anti-colonial struggle.
“His death reminds the people of South Africa of Zambia‘s immeasurable sacrifice and the sterling leadership role that Zambia played in ridding the African continent of the yolk of colonial domination and apartheid rule,” the department said on Wednesday.
President Zuma said President Sata, who was Zambia’s fifth President, would be remembered for his commitment to improving the lives of the people of Zambia.
“President Sata supported robust economic transformation of the country, which led to positive economic growth and increased investment in Zambia. His contribution to the work of bodies such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Union would be sorely missed,” said President Zuma. - SAnews.gov.za
