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The family of late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has announced that his funeral and burial will take place in South Africa, where he passed away on June 5, 2025.
This announcement follows a standoff between the Zambian government and the Lungu family regarding the repatriation of his remains. In response, President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday, June 19, declared the end of the national mourning period and issued an apology to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the government, and the people of South Africa for the impasse.
In a statement issued Friday in Johannesburg, Family Spokesperson Makebi Zulu described the past weeks as an emotionally challenging period for the family.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences extended to the family from across the continent and the globe,” Zulu said.
He expressed the family’s appreciation to the South African government for its respectful support and for honouring the family’s decision to hold a private funeral and burial in South Africa.
Zulu commended South Africa’s non-interference, as well as its respect for the South African Constitution and the family’s wishes.
“We will be given space to mourn and celebrate the life of our loved Edgar Chagwa Lungu in dignity and peace,” he said.
Zulu also highlighted the comforting visit by South Africa’s Minister for International Relations, Ronald Lamola, who conveyed condolences on behalf of President Ramaphosa.
He added that the Lungu family continues to call for peace and unity among Zambians during this time, thanking friends, supporters, and the public for their compassion and understanding.
“Further details regarding the funeral arrangements and burial will be shared with the Zambian and South African public in due course,” Zulu said.
Earlier this week, Zulu, announced during a press briefing on Wednesday from Pretoria that although an initial consensus had been reached with authorities, government actions had since undermined those agreements.
Key concerns included the Road Development Agency’s June 16 announcement of roadworks along the designated funeral procession route without consultation, and a June 17 statement by the Secretary to the Cabinet restricting public participation in receiving the body — again, allegedly without family input.
Zulu also revealed that an unapproved programme had been released, redirecting the body from the airport straight to a church service and Mulungushi International Conference Centre, bypassing the family home.
“Despite raising these issues, government continued to publish conflicting programmes. Regrettably, we’ve resolved that President Lungu’s remains will not return home today,” Zulu said.
During the briefing, Lungu’s sister, Bertha Lungu, said it was disappointing that government kept on issuing different statements despite reaching an agreement with the family.
The family expressed hope that one day the late President would be buried in a manner that honours both his legacy and the family’s wishes.
Meanwhile, the South African Defence Force had be seen rolling back the red carpet and left the airport after the Lungu family declined to repatriate the body today, citing differences with the government.
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