RB mourns, hails chief
From CHAMBO NG’UNI in Chisamba
PRESIDENT Banda says Chief Chamuka of the Lenje people of Chisamba in Central Province was a wise and analytical leader on issues of national development.
Mr Banda said his administration is saddened by the death of Chief Chamuka whom he described as a gallant leader who promoted unity in his chiefdom and welcomed people from other parts of Zambia.
The late Chief Chamuka, 73, ascended to the throne on October 15, 1975, and reigned for 34 years.
He died in the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka on March 3, 2010, and is survived by a wife, seven children and 10 grandchildren.
Mr Banda said in a speech read for him by Minister of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato at the burial in Chisamba on Sunday that because of Chief Chamuka’s wise leadership, his chiefdom is a clear demonstration of a cosmopolitan community.
“He was friendly and believed in unity. The late chief upheld the motto of `One Zambia, One Nation’. He respected people from other parts of Zambia who settled in his chiefdom,” Mr Banda said.
He said Government is deeply touched by the death of Chief Chamuka who stood for development.
Mr Banda said he remembers Chief Chamuka for making land available for construction of schools, health centres, roads, bridges and other social infrastructure.
“Many of you will agree with me that our chief was a humble leader, yet wise and very analytical on issues of social economic development. He was friendly and believed in unity,” Mr Banda said.
He urged the royal establishment to ensure that all matters related to succession are handled in a mature manner to prevent any wrangles and that they should be helpful to the widow and dependents during the mourning period and after.
And Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe of the Lenje of Central Province said Chief Chamuka was a good leader who played an important role in the well-being of not only the Lenje people but also other Zambians.
Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe said he did not expect any succession wrangles because the Lenje tradition is clear on people who are supposed to rule in the Chamuka chiefdom.
Central Province Minister Ackimson Banda said it is sad that Chief Chamuka is the third traditional ruler to die within a short period in the province after Chief Shaibila of Mkushi and Senior Chief Muchenda of Serenje.
Among the mourners at the burial were Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo of the Soli people of Chongwe, Chief Chibale (Serenje), Chief Kanyesha (Mkushi) and Chief Ngabwe of Kapiri Mposhi.
Others were Chief Mungule, Chief Liteta and Chief Chitanda, all of Chibombo.
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