Sata signs book of condolences for Mandela

President Michael Sata this morning signed a book of condolences that has been opened at the South African High Commission in Lusaka for the late for President of that country, Nelson Mandela.

President Sata arrived at the South African High Commission at 10:00 hours in the company of his spokesperson George Chellah.

He was received by Vice President Guy Scott, South African High Commissioner to Zambia Piet Mathebe and some cabinet ministers.

“Our great hero, without him there will be no South Africa. Rest in eternal peace,” read President Sata’s message in part.

Mr. Sata was the first person to sign the book of condolences followed by Vice President Dr. Scott and several cabinet ministers among them Defense Minister Geoffrey Mwamba and Edgar Lungu of Home Affairs.

Attorney General Mumba Malila and Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba also signed the book.

After signing the book of condolences, President Sata urged youths to stop being truant.

Mr. Sata said young people should display exemplary behaviour in their work.

“Without Mandela, there will be no South Africa and just like without first former President Kenneth Kaunda, there will be no Zambia. You young people stop being truant. So the challenge remains to you to emulate him,” he said.

The Head of State disclosed that Dr. Kaunda and Vice President Dr. Scott would represent him in South Africa at the burial of the late Mandela on December 15, 2013.

And South African High Commissioner to Zambia Piet Mathebe said the late Mr. Mandela was a unifying factor who should be emulated by all well meaning persons.

Mr. Mathebe said the late Mr.  Mandela taught people to live in peace, unity and love.

“Mandela taught us to believe peace and unity and we shall always cherish his leadership,” Mr. Mathebe said.

Mr. Mandela, 95, died late on December 5, 2013 at his home in Johannesburg in the presence of his friends and family members.