Former President Lungu and President Hichilema Engages in Cordial Conversation During Funeral of Sikota Wina

The funeral for ex-cabinet minister, Sikota Wina, was held yesterday in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka. The funeral saw the coming together of both past and current government officials to join in mourning the late freedom fighter.

The funeral took place following the death of Mr Wina on the 15th June 2022.

During the funeral, President Hakainde Hichilema described Mr Wina as an accomplished politician that will serve as a role model to all Zambians.

He said that the former minister was a true patriot and an icon of peace for Zambia.

The president stated, “Let us continue to learn and emulate late Mr Wina for the huge contributions and sacrifice he made during the struggle for independence which has led to us enjoying peace and freedom today.”

The president was joined by his wife the First Lady Mutinta Hichilema and several cabinet members.

During the funeral, the speeches emphasised the importance of unifying Zambians despite their differences, in particular the unification of Zambians with tribal differences. 

This is something that President Hichilema took to heart during his conversation with the previous president Edgar Lungu.

The conversation was initiated by the Defence Chaplin General Reverend Henry Mayifeyo who asked the attendants to turn to the person sitting next to them and discuss, if they had the choice, which tribe they would want to be a part of.

During the engagement, the president turned to Lungu and asked him the question.

The two allegedly laughed and smiled as they conversed.

Although short, the conversation represents a push to encourage cordial relations between the past and present governments of Zambia, something that President Hichilema has always advocated for.

The death of Mr Wina represents the last cabinet member from the late ex-president Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s cabinet.

In addition to the president’s speech, former Vice President, Inonge Wina, also spoke.

She outlined that the family had lost a hero and a pillar of wisdom. She also said that her late father-in-law was a humble and dedicated leader who fought for both the country’s independence but also his family’s.

She also personally thanked the New Dawn government for their support during his illness and passing.

Wina Wina, Sikota Wina’s son, also described his father as selfless and worked to unite his family.

Later today, the freedom fighter will be put to rest in Mwandi, Western Province.

 Photo: Chellah Tukuta