It is the wish of the founding President Kenneth Kaunda’s family to have his remains taken around the country.
This is according to Vice President Inonge Wina, who has since announced that government has agreed to respect the wish of the family.
In a statement issued, Mrs Wina said the programme for the Provincial visits, will commence in Choma, Southern Province on Wednesday June 23and end in Lusaka Province on Monday July 5 2021.
She said there will be no physical body viewing, however the entire procession including the church service will be carried live on TV.
“This arrangement will enable the millions of viewers at home to follow the proceedings and have a closer view of the remains of the late President. The Provincial Programmes shall include route lining where residents in the Provinces shall line designated routes to view the cortege and pay their last respects. However, in order to control anticipated crowds, the Military shall manage these Provincial Programmes to ensure orderliness and compliance to COVID-19 measures,” She said.
Mrs Wina said in each provincial capital, there shall be a short church ceremony conducted by the Military, in conjunction with the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) to which Dr Kaunda belonged.
She said he Military will be on hand to ensure compliance adding that physical attendance to the provincial church services will be extremely limited and short in nature.
The Vice President said both the route lining and church services shall be broadcasted live on television, radio and social media and so members of the public are encouraged to follow the proceedings on the various media platforms in order to avoid mass gatherings.
And Mrs Wina said Government has designated Friday, July 2, as the date for the State to accord Dr Kaunda a Ceremonial State Funeral to allow for the participation of international dignitaries.
She said the State Funeral will be held at Heroes Stadium here in Lusaka.
“Once again, the Government will ensure the strictest adherence to COVID-19 Guidelines by firmly restricting participation to the State Funeral to Heads of State, to be accompanied by one official. All the relevant COVID-19 measures, including social distancing, will be managed by the Military during the State Funeral,” she said.
Mrs Wina said Dr Kaunda will be put to rest at the Presidential Burial Site on Wednesday July 7, at a very private ceremony for family and selected invited mourners only and will be live on television, radio, and social media to allow Zambians and the international community to follow the proceedings.
She further said in respecting Dr Kaunda’s legacy, party regalia or party symbols of any kind, including party-branded face masks, will not be allowed at any activity during the period of mourning.
-Mwebantu [ZAMBIA]