A valedictory ceremony was held in the chamber of the National Assembly in honour of the late former Speaker of the National Assembly Amusaa Mwanamwambwa.

The casket, draped in the Zambian flag, arrived at the National Assembly buildings and made its way into the chamber at about 10:08 hours.

The ceremony which was attended by Members of Parliament was also attended by dignitaries that included former Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini.

The sombre ceremony was characterized by tributes which were delivered by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Government Whip, Stafford Mulusa and Leader of opposition Brian Mundubile , which was followed by a valedictory speech by Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti.

Thereafter, body viewing was then conducted.

And in an emotional speech, the Speaker, Ms Mutti disclosed that when she took up her position, she regularly consulted the late Amusaa Mwanamwambwa on Parliamentary matters.

“Immediately I was elected Speaker, I paid a courtesy call on him and continued to consult him from time to time on matters of the house,” she said.

Ms Mutti said even during her tenure as Speaker, she regularly reached out to the late former Speaker of the National Assembly.

She paid tribute to the late former Speaker on Parliamentary reforms instituted during his tenure.
Ms Mutti said even after retiring, the late Mwanamwambwa rendered guidance whenever called upon by the National Assembly.
She also revealed that she used her discretion to hold a valedictory service for the late former Speaker in honour of his distinguished service to the country.

“Although the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders 2021, do not expressly provide for the holding of a valedictory service for a former Speaker or indeed a former Member of Parliament , I invoked the provisions of Standing Order 239 of the National Assembly of Zambia, Standing Orders 2021 to enable the house conduct a valedictory service for the late Hon.Amusaa Mwanamwambwa, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia in recognition of his distinguished and patriotic service rendered to this August house and the nation at large,” said Ms Mutti.

And Vice President Mutale Nalumango said she learnt a lot when she served under the late former Speaker as Deputy Speaker.
Mrs Nalumango described the late former Speaker as a man of integrity who was a great professional.
“To me and probably many others, Hon. Mwanamwambwa was a gentleman with personal, professional and exceptional qualities which enabled him to execute his role as presiding officer exceptionally well,” she said.
And Government Whip, Stafford Mulusa said the UPND will never forget Mr Mwanamwambwa for dealing with the party, then in opposition, with fairness.

Meanwhile leader of the Opposition, Brian Mundubile paid tribute to the late former Speaker saying he made a positive impact both locally and at international level.

Germany’s Federal President, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is set to undertake a significant two-day State Visit to Zambia from November 1st to 2nd, 2023. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia announced this highly anticipated visit, highlighting its importance for the strengthening of bilateral ties and the pursuit of shared developmental goals.

During the visit, President Steinmeier and President Hakainde Hichilema, are expected to engage in bilateral discussions that will center on a range of critical areas of mutual interest for both nations. These key issues include cooperation in water and sanitation, agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development, energy, trade, and investment, among other significant sectors.

Furthermore, President Steinmeier is slated to visit projects in Zambia that have received support from the German Government. These projects exemplify the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in various sectors, and President Steinmeier will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact of this cooperation. One notable event on the agenda is the signing of an agreement between the Zambian Department of Water and KfW Development Bank, which is set to take place in Livingstone.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P, stressed the importance of President Steinmeier’s visit in reinforcing the longstanding and excellent bilateral ties that exist between Zambia and Germany. These ties are rooted in shared values and mutual aspirations for prosperity, making the visit a pivotal occasion for Zambia to further its partnership with Germany, a global economic powerhouse and a prominent member of the European Union.

Minister Kakubo emphasized that the visit holds great significance for the Zambian Government, providing an opportunity to foster sustainable development for the mutual benefit of both nations. The high-level engagements and discussions are expected to make significant contributions to Zambia’s Economic Transformation Agenda and deliver tangible benefits to the Zambian people.

President Steinmeier is set to conclude his visit and depart from Zambia on November 2nd, 2023.

President Hakainde Hichilema and members of his government paid a visit to the home of the late Mr. Amusaa Mwanamwambwa, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia. This somber occasion allowed them to offer their condolences to the bereaved family.

Mr. Mwanamwambwa’s widow, Mrs. Catherine Mwanamwambwa, and their three daughters, as well as other extended family members, welcomed the president and his delegation to their home during this difficult time. The meeting with the family was filled with deep emotions as they came together to remember and honor the late Mr. Amusaa Mwanamwambwa.

In a heartfelt show of support and compassion, President Hakainde Hichilema and his team offered comfort to the grieving family through prayers and the singing of funeral hymns. Their presence and words of solace aimed to provide strength and unity during this period of mourning.

Late Mr. Amusaa Mwanamwambwa’s passing represents a significant loss to the nation of Zambia. In a message written in the book of condolence at the house of mourning in Chongwe, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed gratitude for the time that Mr. Mwanamwambwa had to live and serve the nation.

Later, President Hichilema took a moment to console widow Catherine and other close family members. He extended his condolences and shared in their grief as a testament to the deep respect and admiration for the late former Speaker of the National Assembly.

During his visit to the funeral house, President Hichilema also took the time to greet mourners who had gathered to pay their respects to the late Amusaa Mwanamwambwa. The President showed his appreciation for their presence and support during this time of loss.

Among the mourners were school children who attend Twatasha School, which was established by the late Mr. Amusaa Mwanamwambwa on his farm in 2001, with funding assistance from the Netherlands.

The President was joined during this visit by the Finance Minister SitumbeKo Musokotwane, Water Development Minister Mike Mposha, Chongwe District Commissioner Evans Lupiya, and Chongwe Mayor Christopher Habeenzu.

Earlier, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nellie Mutti, also visited the funeral house to pay her respects and signed the book of condolence. She described the late Mr. Mwanamwambwa as a committed servant of the legislature, evident through the significant impact he had on both local and international parliamentary bodies. His legacy of service and dedication will be remembered and celebrated by many.