Lusaka — President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispatched Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola to Zambia as a special envoy to convey condolences and engage in discussions surrounding the burial of former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Lamola met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka on Sunday, where he delivered a message of sympathy from the South African government and people.
The visit came amid uncertainty regarding the final resting place of the late president, who passed away earlier this month.
Hichilema confirmed Zambia’s position that Lungu will be buried in his home country, putting to rest speculation about the burial location.
“We held a meaningful and respectful discussion regarding the burial, of the late president, during which we affirmed our firm position that His Excellency Mr Edgar Lungu should be laid to rest in his homeland, the Republic of Zambia,” Hichilema said in a statement following the meeting.
President Hichilema Receives Courtesy Call from South African Minister Lamola, Reaffirms Zambia’s Commitment to Honouring Late President Lungu
We were honoured to receive a courtesy call from Mr. Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa pic.twitter.com/QEg2gDf0fZ
— Barbie🎀 (@KasebaMusaka) June 22, 2025
The Zambian leader also expressed appreciation to Ramaphosa for South Africa’s support during Lungu’s illness and extended an apology to the South African National Defence Force for logistical challenges encountered during the repatriation of the late leader’s remains on 18 June.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month.
Details of his funeral arrangements are still being finalised.
Meanwhile, Lamola expressed South Africa’s solidarity with the Zambian government and people during their period of national mourning.
“It remains our considered view that President Lungu should be laid to rest in his home country of birth,” he said.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, paid a courtesy call on President Hichilema, delivering condolences from President Ramaphosa on the passing of sixth President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. pic.twitter.com/pgP9vxFpaJ
— Diamond Media (@diamondtvzambia) June 22, 2025
Lamola said South Africa’s desire is to see to it that the impasse regarding Lungu’s repatriation is resolved.
“We are hopeful that an amicable solution will be found between the Lungu family and the Zambian government,” he said.
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