Zambia laid former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott to rest yesterday at Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka, bringing to a close five days of national mourning declared in his honour following his death on July 15 at the age of 82.
The burial was preceded by a State Funeral Church Service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, attended by President Hakainde Hichilema and mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to the former statesman. In the days leading up to the service, mourners from across the country streamed to Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area to console Scott’s family and reflect on his legacy.
Speaking after signing the book of condolences at Belvedere Lodge, Vice President Mutale Nalumango described Scott as a dedicated public servant who worked to strengthen Zambia’s democracy, noting his role in the country’s transition from a one-party state to multiparty rule. She said his style of leadership — marked by dialogue and a willingness to bridge differences — should serve as an example to others.
Scott served as Vice President under President Michael Sata from 2011 to 2014, and briefly as Acting President following Sata’s death in office, a role that made him Africa’s first white head of state in more than two decades. He was later constitutionally barred from contesting the presidency in his own right, as Zambia’s constitution at the time required both of a candidate’s parents to have been born in Zambia.
Ahead of the burial, a public debate emerged over where Scott should be laid to rest, with youth advocate Tiza Mukuka calling for him to be buried at the presidential gravesite originally prepared for former President Edgar Lungu, which had remained unused. Government ultimately proceeded with Leopards Hill Memorial Park as the burial site. Scott’s death and state funeral came at a politically significant moment, arriving in the middle of campaigning for Zambia’s August 13 general election.
Sources: ZNBC — Guy Scott burial set for tomorrow · Open Zambia — Zambia bids farewell to former Vice President Dr Guy Scott · SABC News — Zambia accords former VP Guy Scott a state funeral
