South Africa and Zambia discuss delayed repatriation of Lungu’s remains

After losing the presidency, Edgar Lungu remained influential in Zambian politics. Photo: AFP

PRETORIA/LUSAKA, 23 June 2025 – South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, has met President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka on Monday to address a bitter impasse over the repatriation and burial of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu.

Lungu passed away on 5 June in Pretoria. His remains remain in South Africa amid family opposition to the Zambian government’s handling of the funeral. Tensions rose after the Lungu family demanded that Hichilema not attend the burial, claiming they were sidelined by Élysée-style state arrangements.

Lamola’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said the discussions were “constructive and empathetic”, noting that Pretoria supports a resolution “that balances respect for the family’s wishes with the dignity owed to a former head of state.”

A Zambian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, alongside Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, also participated in the talks while in South Africa. A government official emphasized that Zambia continues to “actively engage in consultations with the family to finalize repatriation arrangements.”

Reports indicate that initial government-led plans for a state funeral clashed with the family’s desire for a private service aligned with Lungu’s final wishes. The resulting stalemate prompted a second postponement of his return from South Africa. 

Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa urged patience and respect, affirming the government’s deference to the family in decisions, while assuring that state involvement remains planned. “This is a funeral—not a political spectacle,” he said.

What comes next?

Negotiations remain ongoing with hopes of reaching a compromise that honors Lungu’s status and meets his family’s demands. Should talks succeed, his remains could be repatriated for a private ceremony in Lusaka or to remain in South Africa, per family wishes. Officials hope a resolution can be reached before the end of the week.