South Africa Burial Threats and Zambia Church Tensions Put Two Lungus in the Spotlight

Two distinct but notable developments, each involving a prominent figure named Lungu, have recently captured attention, although within entirely separate contexts and concerning different individuals.

These events highlight challenges ranging from anti-immigration movements to internal church divisions.

First, South Africa’s anti-immigration movement, Operation Dudula, has issued a stark warning regarding the grave of the late former President Lungu, as reported by the Zambian Observer.

Phelisa Mazondwa, identified as a staunch supporter of Operation Dudula, publicly stated that the movement’s ultimatum, primarily directed at foreigners residing in South Africa, unequivocally extends to the remains of foreign nationals, including those of the late former President.

Mazondwa explicitly warned that unless robust 24-hour security measures are promptly implemented at Lungu’s gravesite, it would not be spared once the June 30 deadline, unilaterally set by Operation Dudula, expires.

This severe ultimatum follows a significant legal victory for the Lungu family in a South African court, which ruled in their favor against the Zambian government. The court’s decision affirmed the family’s right to proceed with the burial of the former Head of State at a location of their choosing, in strict accordance with his previously expressed wishes.

Despite the gravity of these threats, South African authorities have not officially endorsed the remarks made by the Operation Dudula member. Furthermore, there has been no official communication or response from the Lungu family concerning the call for additional security at the gravesite.

In a separate and unrelated development, Alliance President, Rev. Moses Lungu, has voiced profound regret and disappointment regarding the Church’s collective inability to achieve a unified position on crucial national mediation efforts.

Speaking in an interview with Mafken news, Rev. Lungu lamented that despite President Hakainde Hichilema’s earnest endeavors to involve the Church in bringing about national closure, various church bodies regrettably failed to coalesce into a cohesive and unified stance.

He contended that this impasse conspicuously exposed deep-seated divisions and inherent inconsistencies within the Church. Rev. Lungu specifically highlighted that certain church leaders appeared to adopt double standards, articulating differing viewpoints in private compared to their public declarations, or overtly aligning themselves with partisan interests.

In light of these critical observations, he has earnestly urged all church leaders, alliances, and fellowships to consciously rise above partisan leanings and to collaboratively work towards establishing a common code of conduct for their future engagement in national affairs.