THE family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu appeared Friday in South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal seeking to overturn a ruling that allows Zambia’s government to repatriate his body for a state burial
Family lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi told the court the family does not want President Hakainde Hichilema to preside over the funeral, saying it was Lungu’s wish that the government not handle his burial. Ngcukaitobi said Lungu told South Africa-based Zambian lecturer Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa and his wife that he did not want government involvement due to how he had been treated after returning to active politics. The government had withdrawn Lungu’s benefits at that time.
“There was bad blood between the Zambian Government and Mr. Lungu,” Ngcukaitobi said, arguing the Pretoria High Court judgment did not consider the wishes of former First Lady Esther Lungu, whom he described as next of kin. He cited a Kaunda judgment that, he said, gives the state authority over the body of a former president as a matter of public law.
A judge noted court documents do not indicate Lungu wanted to be buried in South Africa.
Zambia’s lawyer, Advocate Ben Stoop, argued that Lungu’s return to politics and loss of benefits did not remove his status as a former president. He said the government’s proposed burial program was rejected by the family, though the family had no objection to Hichilema attending to receive dignitaries.
The court said that where ubuntu applies, a grieving family’s wishes should be given primary consideration. Ruling was adjourned to a later date.
Lungu, 68, died in South Africa where he was receiving treatment.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 29th May, 2026)