MPs praise late Kufakwandi
THE late Frank Simona Kufakwandi’s mature debates, accommodative spirit and passion for preservation issues have earned him allround accolades from parliamentarians. The Members of Parliament from the ruling and opposition parties were united yesterday in praise of Mr Kufakwandi, who died on Monday in South Africa after an illness. They eulogised Mr Kufwakwandi, who was Sesheke lawmaker, after acting leader of Government business Stephen Chungu moved a motion to place on record the House’s deepest regret on his untimely death. UPND Monze MP Jack Mwiimbu described Mr Kufakwandi as a statesman, who served his constituency and the nation at large selflessly. Mr Mwiimbu, who is opposition Chief Whip, thanked Government for evacuating Mr Kufwakwandi to South Africa for specialised treatment. He however, appealed to Government to consider giving state funerals to parliamentarians who died in office.Mr Mwiimbu wondered why other people were accorded official funerals but leaving out MPs when they died. “MPs are not recognised, they are not accorded the respectable send-off that they deserve. Mr Speaker, there is need to give MPs official funerals when they die,” Mr Mwiimbu said. UPND Mazabuka Central MP Garry Nkombo suggested that remains of deceased parliamentarians should be taken to parliament to enable them pay their last respects before they could be put to rest. Mr Nkombo also stated that there was need to improve health facilities in the country so that the tradition of evacuating Zambians to other counties for specialized treatment should end. Chifubu MP Frank Ng'ambi agreed that evacuating patients to other countries was expensive on the part of Government. And Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo said the late MP would be remembered for his passion about preservation issues. Others who spoke during the notice of motion on the death of Mr Kufakwandi were Kachibiya MP Dr Martin Malama, Charles Zulu (Luangeni), Dr. Stumbeko Musokotwane (Luena) , Mirriam Chonya (Kafue), Mumbi Phiri (nominated) and Kabushi MP Bowman Lusambo, among others. The late Kufaakwandi, 67, will be buried today in Sesheke district. Meanwhile, the body of arrived at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone yesterday. Ten Members of Parliament were on hand at the airport to receive the body of Mr Kufakwandi, who was MP for Sesheke.