Vice President Guy Scott has revealed that President Michael Sata will not attend the country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Dr Scott told Parliament Tuesday afternoon that President Sata will not be available for the celebrations on Friday as he will still be out of the country for a medical checkup.
Dr Scott who refused to disclose the country where President Sata is undergoing the medical checkup assured that all the preparations for the commemoration have been progressing well.
He also revealed that Acting President and himself as Vice President will officiate at most of the Jubilee commemorative events.
The Vice President disclosed that he will host a state banquet for visiting dignitaries in Lusaka on Thursday night and that a luncheon will also be held on Friday.
He also explained that provincial centres will also host investiture ceremonies where various deserving individuals and organisations will be honoured.
Dr Scott also disclosed that 26 countries have so far confirmed their attendance for Zambia’s 50th jubilee celebrations this Friday.
He said that representatives of the countries that have confirmed their attendance are expected to arrive in Zambia Thursday afternoon.
Dr Scott further explained that it is too early to confirm that no serving Heads of States will attend the celebrations.
Countries that had confirmed participation were German, Tanzania, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Egypt, Malawi, Nigeria, United States of America, France, Mozambique, Zimbabwe Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Seychelles and Canada.
The Chinese guest had already arrived.
He said it would not be demeaning if no President attends the celebrations.
He was answering a question from Chembe MMD MP Mwansa Mbulakulima who wanted to find out if it will not be demeaning for Zambia to celebrate the golden jubilee without a single President.
Dr Scott maintained that Zambia was going to have normal celebrations despite the absence of the President saying the Ministry of Foreign affairs was handling the situation very well.
Sikongo MMD MP Mundia Ndalamei wanted to know whether Government would release the incarcerated Barotse royal activists but Dr Scott said the issue was the prerogative of the President and that the gazette notice had already been released.
The Vice President said his message to the people of Western province was “We are 50years old, let us celebrate,”.
On the investiture, Dr Scott said the ceremonies would take place in the various provinces by assigned Cabinet ministers.
Earlier Dr Scott said Uhuru celebrations had been going on for sometime now and would reach the climax on October 23, 2014 when the national flag would be hoisted at midnight.
Among other celebrations expected are State banquet on Thursday, gala night at Heroes Stadium where thousands of children and military display will be there, on Friday the Acting President will lead diplomats and servicemen in the laying of wreaths, Miss Zambia Grand finale and Zambia vs Cote de voire football match, among others.
why not retire him?
I am wiping like the day my grandfather died….. That was a sad day, and it made me the strong I have been.
He also missed Christmas. I remember being first time for me to participate in slaughtering a bull with an Axe.
They buried his riffle (mututila) with him.
I miss Ba Sata just same as I miss my grandfather I used to joke with.
Not a big deal !! As long as my big buyer Edgar will be there i care less.
Under the circumstances, this is OK. Let us accept that such disruptions in life do occur. We cannot blame anyone for this unfortunate occurrence. Sickness is among us, unfortunately it is Mr. Sata, the President of the Republic we are are talking about here.
Edgar Lungu and Guy Scott will do us justice. Let us be resolute and pray for Mr sata and the country with all its leadership for the smooth passing of our Uhuru celebrations.
One Zambia, One Nation…
Immediately after the celebrations the health of the president will have to be addressed. It is important for us as a country to come together and discuss in a manner that is fitting of 50 years of so called independence. Our president is a sick man, we have to admit this simple fact of life so that we safeguard the continuous development of the country. This is bigger than one person, our very lives are on the line…get well soon tata..
The realised that they could not parade a dead corpse to the public…
Ubufi ulabwela…. very soon you will start preparing for a funeral
They realised that they could not parade a dead corpse to the public…
Ubufi bulabwela…. very soon you will start preparing for a funeral
@Saulosi
My friend it is a big deal for me and us. Edgar can not be a president of Zambia, what kind of SHORTAGE of leader is PF experiencing at moment.
Should practice to votes unexpectedly by voting on TOP-RIGHT of LT Jubilee nominees of which I will scoope. I call upon all Zambian companies to advertise on this website so we can have a HUGE prize money to share with the poor. Enough of “don’t ukubeba”, but me I will tell you. “Nalikwebele Tabulwapo”. Vote guys we win this thing.
Guy Muzungu Belela Sicoti, Maureen Kaselela Sata, Chibwili, Kamimba the list is endless lined up insulting our intelligence when we questioned the whereabouts of the absentee Satana. They told us we’re dreamers, gona be arrested for talking about the health of Satana. They claimed he was busy working hard for Zambians at State house. Oooh even forgot about skipping the UN speech and quarter baked opening of parliament where he was the only comedian making jokes and praising himself. Going to meet Perez in Israel while Perez is with Obama thousand miles away. Ubufi bulabwela, we demand our president grace the most important event in the calendar of Zambia this year. This is the only country that is stupi.dly docile. How can Sicoti not even feel shame. Zambian Parliament rotten to the…
Folks,
As I said earlier on, Sata won’t back soon. Any way those who know what I have been saying concerning Sata’s illness are not surprised at the turn of events surrounding Sata’s inability to grace the jubilee celebrations.
Under these prevailing circumstances where the head of state is unwell, it would be advisable for people to scaled down the jubilee celebration in honour of our sick head of state. Lets pray that he recovers and returns home vertically, not as cargo.
However given the gravity of his illness and the fact that he was given up to September to live, anything is highly possible from now.
I hope PF will be bold enough to avoid lying to the nation the Sata is jogging in London following the Late Mwanawasa’s route.
Presidential by elections in February…
Get well soon shikulu and may Zambia remain peaceful and hopeful.
Abena Nostrafimofimo what are you “Wiping??” Tears?? Iguess you should be weeping then!!
If at all the Zambian Government cared, President Sata should have been spared from gracing all national and international events this year such as the Labour Day celebrations, Opening of Parliament and the trip to the United Nations General Assembly. But the Presidential handers were in self denial, not believing when the national wisdom advised that he was not feeling well. The ruling Party and Government was hiding the fact that the President was not feeling well at all, when the evidence was there.
Even at this point, it is difficult for the VP to use the appropriate word that the President has gone for medical treatment; preferring to evade the truth. A medical check up lasting over two weeks. We should also look an appropriate charge against the family for contributory negligence
@1.7 Nostradamus – I beg to differ with you there mate, like it or not Lungu will be President.
WE KNEW THIS ANYWAYS. Not revenging to what SATA had done to Mwanawasa, but just what Sata “our Current president” TAUGHT us as Zambians.
1- To stand for our Rights.
2- Never to fear but express ourselves as Zambians
Therefore, just after the Independence celebrations. We demand that a committee should be put in place, to give Zambians a report, with recommendations on the health and occupancy / duties of the President. The Man is sick, we wish him well and should step down to rest. Otherwise we will force to have him removed on medical grounds.
## ##### ####### ########, ##### #######, ####### ########## ## ######## #####
@Independent Observer,
Please allow me to translate how unholy your heart is. I decrypt any code bro. He says
“If it was me, I would decide to leave the earth when everybody is gathered”.
Scott is lying again! There is nothing wrong with our President. He is fit and working hard.
All the events sound fine apart from the planned soccer game. Who cares about soccer? What a waste of event to celebrate our independence.
We knew this already. Tell us another story.
Medical check but he was told he has less than a year yo live. He may not even return.
Medical check but he was told he has less than a year yo live. He may not even return. And better plan for state funeral.
It is sad that our president will miss the 50th Independence celebrations on Friday. We to pray for Him, and let God will be done. Our duty is to uplift the President before God. As a former freedom fighter, and a clergyman, I wish him well together with his family.
Zambia Is Our Country. Ba Oppostio Golden Jubilee Is Not For Pf Lets All Attend. Shallow Minded Chaps Are The Ones Who Doesnt Know The Rason Why We Shud Selebrate Golden Jubilee
Indeed, we are celebrating 27 years of UNIP, 20 years of MMD and only 3 years of PF. So this is a national event imwe guys. Nothing partisan about it.
May the medical treatment be a success.
Life is of greater value than wealth
Indeed, we are celebrating 27 years of UNIP, 20 years of MMD and only 3 years of PF. So this is a national event imwe guys. Nothing partisan about it.
Let’s turn up in large numbers for this important event which defines us as Zambians regardless of our cultural, socio-economic, educational etc background. Happy 50 years to this nation! One Zambia, One Nation!
Literally one may think the nation is heartless, merry making while the first family is undergoing difficult times. Reality is, the nation has to move on.
Friends your families matters most because in organisations everyone is replaceable.
You ruminations are a poser!
Which family would hold a wedding or pwando of their first born son whilst the head of family (dad) was seriously ill in hospital so emaciated that he is unable to attend the celebrations (our Presido is I don’t know where, but obviously in a serious condition given the refusal of the State to even disclose to the MPs where and how he is)?
This doesn’t come as a surprise to some of us…we stated this last week…Sata is in no condition to stay unattended in an open stadium. We have a president who is basically clinging to power despite his illness….empty tins like Scott are still taking the Zambians for a ride because we allow them because we are docile and passive people.
But kwena the Zambian has been worked on properly. Docility iyi yeve yachita ova!!!! And to see some bloggers write that it doesnt matter whether he’s there or not. well, it doesnt but the fact remains why not change the man. he is tired and sick. ba pf chaba shani kanshi? I understand its not really your fault, you are just as blind as the people that you lead. You believe in this illusion that has been made for us by the whites and you follow it to the core not knowing that its all a big lie. Wake up, wake up people. How, you may ask? Start by listening to the inner deep voice of your ancestors. Question everything and read widely!!!
This is the same guy who said, just about 3 days ago, that the president was well and he’d bless the celebrations. Such a liar!!! He’s also watering down the unfortunate development that no head of state will attend saying it’s too early to confirm. There’s only 3 days left!!! If you’re gonna tell a lie Mr Vice President let it be well thought out and intelligent. You surely are an embarrassment to the white community and a curse to Zambia. We do not deserve such mediocrity.
As long as God lives our president is coming back well.
By the conciliatory tones on this posting, it is easy to tell, people have already broken out the beverages!
Come on guys, we know it’s normal to be sick but honestly, it must be a serious case to cause the president to miss not just an ordinally independence celebration but Jubilee. Not long he missed to give a speech at a world summit. How many other meetings has he missed in the SADC region, what about locally? It is these questions that begs for answers which are making us call for serious reflection. Mind you running a country is not like running a small individual business, there is the nation’s interest at stake.
come on guys u know our bodys are fragile, that means we are eligible to illness.therefor i find no reason why our head of state health should be kept as a secreet from his subject.let us know what is wrong with him.so that we know what to pray for,as we advocate on his behalf in prayers.to think of it how many vital meeting has not attended it very serious. let u guys not take this situation casually.bring it out.
Hmm why not quote the VP’s words in parliament as usual instead of paraphrasing a whole essay out of what was said? I smell a rat. Or is it a dog…
one Zambia one nation.with or without Ba sata.get well soon tata.
Still the fool wont resign?
@Kay, sorry to inform you he is too mentally incapacitated to understand his position an totally incapable of the task of resigning.
As the Cabinet will discover after they have appointed a Medical Board to investigate the corpse!
That cabbage just ran away from responsibilities of hosting events. Why disappear during Zambia’s most important week? Comrades we do not need Sata, he has become a great liability to our nation. He should retire so that he can continue receiving medical attention as a private citizen not as a president because each time he travels so much money goes down the drain, money that can be used to revamp our hospitals and clinics. When he returns he will again remain in his state of hibernation. To all you supporting this nonsense, I say think of Zambia not this individual, he has achieved his life’s dream of becoming president but he has quite frankly failed to run the country. Over and out..
True.
The amount of money now spent just on Sata could have built a WHOLE NEW WING at UTH!
In the new Constitution we must say the President can only receive treatment paid for with Taxpayers money if it is IN ZAMBIA!
Then our hospitals will improve overnight!
While we appreciate the many get well wishes the president has been receiving, I think we are becoming to docile and sacrificing the success of this country bcoz of our emotions.We ‘ve alot of sick PIPO & under the rule of law everyone is equal & deserves the best attention not forgetting that money speaks louder and the fact that though all animals are equal others are more equal, hence the treatment of our Republican president.However, at this juncture I feel the president can no longer discharge his duties and we are not short of credible leaders to take this country forward though admitting the fact that he was duly and resoundingly elected but under the current circumstance it does not hold any waters.we need TO REPLACE SATA and the next govt will take are of HIS HEALTH…
The docility of Zambians is just incredible. Sata just resign and save us the hustle. No show at the Golden jubilee? Ati medical checkup, these *****ts knew all along that he wasn’t going to attend.
PF was trying for months to hide the big ominous cloud but it proved too big,too shifty and too unwieldy to hide.
There is time to be born and time to die. And sata’s time has arrived. For u who adore sata up to the toilet, get ready to receive his body.
I really can’t understand what the hustle is, Mushota has told us time and again that Sata is okay and anyone saying the contrary is plain evil. Ain’t that so Mushota?
@ Ricky Bobby? Now you are also starting to worry me do you ever take Mushota serious,this is drama at it’s better 50 years old zambia and it’s president who is well and working in state house is missing in action i have always said we are tired of these old politicians they are tired let’s try new blood new ideas and RB MUST JUST GO BACK TO HIS FARM.
One Zambia, One Nation!!
Happy 50 years everyone!
#OneZambia
It is sad to hear that Mr Sata will not be in the country on the 50th Uhuru Day. I have difficulties to believe that in the presence of invited heads of states my own president would be absent beats the life out of me. WHY, WHY, WHy, Why, why.
From today I protest to know the reason of Mr Sata’s absence during the planned 50th birth celebration of my nation Zambia.
Today, I begin my hunger strike as a serious cause of protest till someone in the nation tells me the real reason of this seemingly boy cot of UHURU DAY by my own president.
Our Father in heaven, I pray that you grant Zambia a JOYOUS Jubilee celebrations and GRANT OUR Beloved PRESIDENT Michael Chilufya Sata a successful medical healing, Come back to Zambia, and continue his work as PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA & may his healing be permanent… I do ask you for this favour – AMEN.
1.13 RICKY BOBBY
Edgar Lungu…………FOR 2016