Africa-Press – Zambia. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has announced an official funeral for the late former Cabinet Minister, Honorable Mwansa Beenwell Kapeya, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of the nation during his tenure as Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in the Patriotic Front Government.
Hon. Kapeya, 73, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, after a short illness at St. John’s Hospital in Woodlands, Lusaka. His funeral will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka, and a Requiem Church Service will be held at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at 10:00 hours, marking the start of the official funeral program.
In an official statement issued on February 15, 2023, Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa said, “The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has accorded an Official Funeral to the Late Former Cabinet Minister, Honourable Mwansa Beenwell Kapeya. This is in recognition of the invaluable contributions made by the Late Honourable Kapeya to the development of the Nation when he served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in the Patriotic Front Government.”
The late Honorable Kapeya served the Zambian government in various capacities and was a renowned politician in the country. During his tenure as Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, he played a critical role in ensuring that Zambia’s media landscape was conducive for the growth and development of the industry. He also played a significant role in implementing the Access to Information Bill, which was later passed into law.
President Hakainde Hichilema also declared Thursday, February 16, 2023, as a Day of National Mourning in honor of the former Cabinet Minister. During this period, from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours, all entertainment activities on both radio and television will be suspended. Flags will also be flown at half-mast, as a sign of mourning.
In a statement, the President said, “I, therefore, direct that on the day of the funeral, Thursday, 16th February, 2023, there shall be a Day of National Mourning in honour of our departed hero, the late Honorable Mwansa Beenwell Kapeya, who served the nation with dedication and commitment.”
The government has also reminded the public to adhere to COVID-19 and Cholera guidelines during the official funeral program to prevent the spread of these diseases.
As the nation mourns the loss of Honorable Kapeya, tributes have poured in from across the country. President Hichilema described him as a “great son of Zambia” who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the nation. The President further stated, “The late Honorable Kapeya will be remembered for his selflessness, dedication to duty, and tireless efforts to move the nation forward. His legacy will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
Former President Edgar Lungu also paid tribute to the late Honorable Kapeya, stating, “Honorable Kapeya was a distinguished public servant and leader who served our country with distinction. His death is a great loss to the nation, and we are all mourning his passing.”
The passing of Honorable Kapeya has left a void in Zambia’s political arena, but his legacy will live on as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
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