ALEX NJOVU, Kitwe
ACTING President Inonge Wina has described Patriotic Front (PF) member of the central committee (MCC) Willie Nsanda as a ‘foot soldier’ who contributed significantly to the growth of the ruling party and the country.
Addressing hundreds of mourners during the burial of Mr Nsanda at Nkana East Cemetery yesterday, Mrs Wina said Government is also saddened by the untimely death of the Road Development Agency (RDA) board chairman.
Mr Nsanda, 63, died last Tuesday at Milpark Hospital in South Africa where he was receiving treatment.
“A dark cloud has yet again descended on the Patriotic Front and the
country. It was only recently when we put to rest President Mr Michael Sata,” she said.
“We have lost a dedicated and committed member of the central
committee. He was a foot soldier who mobilised the party to where it is today. No words can best be used to describe a man who played a key role in bringing the PF into government and the development of the country over the last three years,” she said.
She said Mr Nsanda’s political prowess and tenacity will live on.
“President Edgar Lungu phoned me from China and told me to ensure that Mr Nsanda is given a deserving farewell,” she said.
Mrs Wina said Mr Nsanda who served the country in various portfolios had massive experience.
“As RDA board chairperson he contributed positively to the development of the road sector in the country. He spearheaded the implementation of various road projects such as Link-Zambia 8000 project, Pave Zambia 2000 and many others including the tarring of the Kitwe/Chingola road,” Mrs Wina said.
Father Joseph Munchin of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in
Garnaton area said in his homily that Mr Nsanda gave his life to Jesus
during his last moment on earth.
“While in Hospital in South Africa Mr Nsanda accepted Jesus Christ, he requested for a priest and was baptised,” he said.
Family representative Justine Kauseni thanked President Lungu for facilitating the treatment of Mr Nsanda in South Africa.
Mrs Wina was accompanied by PF secretary general Davies Chama, members of the central committee, Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, diplomats, senior Government and PF officials.
Others were former first ladies, Christine Kaseba and Vera Tembo, MMD president Nevers Mumba and his Green Party counterpart Peter Sinkamba, RDA officials, members of Parliament, mayors, district commissioners and traditional leaders.