Brian Mundubile mourns former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott during Kafue mega rally
KAFUE – Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile on Wednesday led thousands of supporters at the alliance’s mega rally in Kafue in observing a solemn moment of silence in honour of former Republican Vice President and former Acting President Dr. Guy Scott, who died the same day at the age of 82.
Soon after addressing the gathering, Mundubile issued a heartfelt tribute mourning the veteran statesman, describing Dr. Scott as a distinguished leader whose contribution to Zambia’s political development would forever remain part of the nation’s history.
Mundubile said he had received news of Dr. Scott’s passing with profound sadness, describing him as a patriot who dedicated many years of his life to serving Zambia with distinction, dedication and unwavering commitment. He said the late former Vice President’s contribution to the country’s democratic journey and public service would continue to be remembered by generations to come.
He urged Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, to use the occasion for deep reflection and to refrain from polluting or tarnishing the memory of the late statesman with divisive political rhetoric. Instead, he called on the nation to honour Dr. Scott’s life and legacy with the dignity, respect and unity befitting a leader who devoted his life to serving his country.
The Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance leader concluded his tribute by conveying his condolences to the Scott family and praying that the former Vice President’s soul rests in eternal peace.
Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance vice-presidential running mate Makebi Zulu also paid tribute, saying that in addition to the President’s message, he wished to remember Dr. Scott as one of the men who helped shape Zambia’s democracy.
Zulu said Dr. Scott played a major role in the country’s democratic evolution and would always be remembered as one of the fathers of Zambia’s multiparty democracy. He said his contribution to the nation’s political journey would never be forgotten and prayed that he rests in eternal peace.
Former Cabinet Minister Jean Kapata joined in mourning the late statesman, urging Zambians to put aside political differences and use the occasion to reflect on Dr. Scott’s life of service. She appealed for dignity and restraint during the mourning period, saying his memory should not be tainted by divisive political utterances but honoured with the respect due to a man who served the country with distinction.
Further, Acting Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance Secretary General Celestine Mukandila urged Zambians to reflect on the immense contribution Dr. Guy Scott made to the country’s political history, particularly the relentless efforts he invested in helping the Patriotic Front (PF) rise to power after years in opposition.
Mukandila said Dr. Scott was one of the principal architects of the movement that ushered the Patriotic Front into government and that his contribution to Zambia’s political landscape should never be forgotten. He noted that Dr. Scott’s subsequent service as Acting President following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014 demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding Zambia’s constitutional order during one of the nation’s most critical transitions.
He said serving as Acting President was, in itself, an honour deserving of recognition and that the office carried with it respect that should continue even after one’s passing. Mukandila commended President Hakainde Hichilema for according Dr. Scott a befitting State funeral, describing the decision as a fitting tribute to a man who devoted much of his life to public service and to strengthening Zambia’s democracy.
On behalf of the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, Mukandila extended heartfelt condolences to the Scott family and to the nation at large, expressing hope that they would find strength and comfort during the difficult period of mourning.
Supporters at the rally stood in silence as a mark of respect for the late former Vice President, whose decades of public service included serving as Republican Vice President from 2011 to 2014 before becoming Acting President following the death of President Michael Sata, guiding Zambia through a peaceful constitutional transition until January 2015.
