President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded former Vice-President Dr Guy Scott a State funeral, describing him as a true Zambian patriot whose life was defined by dedicated service to the nation.
Dr Scott, who served as Republican Vice-President from 2011 to 2014, died Yestrday Wednesday at the age of 82 at his Trotover Farm in Lusaka’s Leopards Hill area after an illness. He also served as Acting President from October 2014 to January 2015, steering the country through the constitutional transition that followed the death of President Michael Sata.
Announcing the decision in a message of condolence, President Hichilema paid tribute to Dr Scott’s decades of public service, saying his life demonstrated that Zambia belongs to all who call it home and that every opportunity to serve the nation should be treasured.
“Dr Scott gave many years of his life to public service. He served as Vice-President of our Republic and stepped in to lead following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014, guiding Zambia through that transition with a steady hand and a commitment to Constitutional order,” the President said.
President Hichilema also recalled Dr Scott’s earlier contribution to national development as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries under the administration of the late Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba, describing his work in the agriculture sector as another important chapter of national service.
The President extended condolences to Dr Scott’s widow, Charlotte Scott, his children and the entire Scott family, saying the decision to accord him a State funeral reflected the nation’s appreciation of his distinguished contribution to Zambia.
“At my direction, we have accorded the late former Vice-President a State funeral in recognition of his service to our nation. May God console the family and grant them strength in this time of grief, and may the soul of Dr Guy Scott rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said the State funeral programme would be announced in due course. He said the honour was being accorded in recognition of Dr Scott’s distinguished professional and political contribution to Zambia, noting his service as Vice-President, Acting President and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
Former Vice-President Dr Nevers Mumba called on Zambians to use Dr Scott’s passing as a moment for national unity rather than political division. He said Dr Scott served the country with distinction, dedication and patriotism, and deserved to be remembered with dignity, respect and gratitude.
Chikondi Foundation president Bishop John Mambo also paid tribute to the late statesman, describing him as a gallant leader who served the country with integrity. He recalled Dr Scott’s leadership during the transition following President Sata’s death and his tenure as Agriculture Minister, urging Zambians to honour his legacy by giving him a dignified farewell.
Meanwhile, Scott family spokesperson Anthony Kasolo thanked the Government for taking responsibility for the funeral arrangements and for the support extended to the family during its time of mourning.
