Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha has described the late Counselor at the Embassy in Brazil Mr. Gerald Musilekwa Wakumelo as a selfless, dedicated, accomplished and hard working career diplomat.
Speaking during a church sermon held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka today, Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said the state has lost a government official and that it is saddened by the demise of the late Mr. Wakumelo who was committed to his 31 years of duty.
Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said those who knew the late diplomat would attest that he was polite, humble and a very unassuming person.
He prayed to God to grant the widow, Lelah and the entire family guidance, strength, peace and solace in this difficult and trying time.
And Brazilian Ambassador to Zambia Josal Luiz Pellegrino said the late Mr. Wakumelo was disciplined and this is the reason why government, the diplomatic corps and close friends benefited a lot from his vast experience.
Mr. Pellegrino described the late Mr. Wakumelo as a dignified diplomat saying that the Brazilian government will greatly miss his distinguished services.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Joel Ngo paid tribute to the Brazilian government for the assistance rendered during the sickness and transportation of the body to Zambia.
Meanwhile family Spokesperson, Monde Nowanga commended both the Zambian and Brazilian governments for the assistance rendered to the Wakumelo family.
On June 17 this year the late Wakumelo was appointed as Counsellor at the Embassy in Brazil where he served until the time of his death on November 15, 2009.
The late Mr. Wakumelo was born on May 7, 1958. He was put to rest today at Leopards Hill Cemetery in Lusaka today. He is survived by a wife, Lelah, four children and one grand daughter.
ZANIS
May the soul of this humble and hard working son of zambia rest in peace.
Is it Mr Wakumelo or Col. Wakumelo?
Gerald was indeed an accomplished dilpomat and selfless person. Those of us who worked with and knew him will miss his friendliness and cheerful nature. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
Farewell, dear brother and God be with you till we meet again.
(Fidel in Geneva)
May hiw soul rest in peace
Sorry May his Soul rest in peace-it is indeed a sad loss to the nation
May your beautiful soul rest in peace. You truly were a man after God’s own heart. We your church family will miss you greatly.
Pa Zed it seems we have a culture of ukutasha nga wafwa. So if any of you want to be praised for your accomplishments, kufwafye. MHSRIP