Zambia will hold a state funeral for former vice president Guy Scott, President Hakainde Hichilema said on Wednesday, paying tribute to one of the country’s most recognisable political figures.
Scott died earlier in the day at the age of 82.
Hichilema described Scott as a patriot who devoted his life to public service, recalling his role as vice president under President Michael Sata and his brief tenure as acting president following Sata’s death in 2014.
“At my direction, we have accorded the late former Vice-President a State Funeral, in recognition of his service to our nation,” Hichilema said in a statement.
Scott oversaw the country during a period of intense political uncertainty until Edgar Lungu was elected in the January 2015 by‑election.
Born in Livingstone in 1944, Scott built a career spanning economics, farming, business and politics.
He entered public life during the reintroduction of multi‑party democracy and was elected member of parliament for Mpika in 1991 under the Movement for Multi‑Party Democracy.
He later served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the Frederick Chiluba administration before becoming a founding member of the Patriotic Front, helping transform it from an opposition movement into a governing party alongside Sata.
Scott’s appointment as acting president drew global attention, making him the first white leader of a mainland African state since the end of apartheid.
Known for his sharp intellect and candid style, he earned a reputation as one of Zambia’s most distinctive political voices, admired for his policy knowledge even when his remarks sparked controversy.
JN/APA