ZIMBABWE President Robert Mugabe has urged Zambians to continue on the development path left by late President Sata.
Mr Mugabe, who is also Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson, said President Sata embarked on many infrastructure development projects aimed at improving living standards.
“The most benefiting tribute is to continue on the illustrious work that he was doing. The hydropower projects, economic ventures, roads and infrastructure development,” Mr Mugabe said.
He said this yesterday during a requiem mass at Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium held in honour of late President Sata.
Mr Mugabe said President Sata was a man of action who believed in service for the people and that all those aspiring to be leaders should have the interest of the people at heart.
He said people should not get into politics for selfish and personal interest but for service to the people.
Mr Mugabe said he is awed by the legacy of development left by the late President and that there is a palpable sense that this will continue, adding that the most befiting tribute to him would be ensure that his vision and ideals for the country are fulfilled.
He described President Sata as one who believed in unity, hard work and service to the people.
Mr Mugabe said Zambia should continue to work hard and embark on projects that will see more business ventures between the two countries, adding that Government should unlock projects that will help fulfil the people’s interests.
And African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma urged Zambians to ensure a peaceful and smooth transition to foster economic growth.
Dr Zuma said at the requiem mass that the AU will assist Zambia in ensuring a peaceful transition and this will be achieved by supporting the electoral process.
She said Zambians should not destroy the peace they have enjoyed for a long time and that the country has been known for being an oasis of peace.
Dr Zuma said late President Sata pledged to ensure a fresh transition that would improve the wellbeing of the people and that this is evidenced by the manner in which he embraced the poor.
“Mr Sata led a remarkable public life and he was very accessible to the poor. We worked closely in the health sector when we were both ministers of health for our respective countries,” Dr Zuma said.
She said Mr Sata worked hard to improve the country’s economy and that Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies and has shown improvements in human development – Zambia Daily Mail