Freedom hero Grey Zulu put to rest

FORMER United National Independence Party (UNIP) Secretary-General Alexander Grey Zulu has been put to rest in his home village of Agripa, in Chief Mafuta’s area in Chipata.

Agripa Village led hundreds of mourners including those from surrounding villages and the rest of Zambia to put to rest one of Zambia’s iconic freedom fighters and Cabinet ministers in the UNIP regime.

At a sombre and solemn military occasion, Agripa Village bade farewell to her fine son of the soil who died on Sunday August 16, 2020 after an illness.

The casket carrying the body of Grey Zulu was carried by Zambia Army pall bearers in solemn military procession.

Government has since described Mr Zulu as an icon of the country’s freedom struggle.

Speaking at the burial Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Vincent Mwale said Mr Zulu sacrificed his family and put the country first.

Mr Mwale said Mr Zulu played a significant role in building today’s Zambia.

“We salute his invaluable contributions to the building of the Zambia we know today.

Let us celebrate the life of one of the surviving and gallant freedom fighters,” said Mr Mwale.

The minister noted that

Mr Zulu served in various government positions to take development to the people.

He noted that Mr Zulu was also concerned about developing his area as evidenced by his efforts of initiating the construction of Chikoka School in Agripa village in Chipangali constituency.

“After the burial, I will sit down with elders as Chipangali constituency MP, to see if we can rename Chikoka School in honour of Mr Zulu,” said Mr Mwale.

And UNIP president Tilyenji Kaunda said Mr Zulu was an exceptional man and leader who served Zambia diligently.

Mr Kaunda said he was disappointed that contemporary politicians have failed to measure up to Mr Zulu who is a perfect role model.

Mr Anderson Zulu, who is Mr Zulu’s brother paid glowing tribute to the widow Mary Zulu for honouring her husband’s wish to be buried in his home village of Agripa.

Mr Zulu also thanked the government for its support to the family.

Mr Grey Zulu’s children and grandchildren shared tributes that depicted that he was a humorous man who found time for his family despite his busy government schedule.

Reformed Church in Zambia Synod Moderator, Edwin Zulu said the late Grey Zulu was a good model of a Christian who should be emulated.

Chieftainess Nkhomesha said through her representative that her chiefdom mourns with the Grey Zulu family.

The Zambia Army gave the late Grey Zulu a 17 gun salute as his body was lowered and committed to its final resting place. Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu, Eastern Province PF Chairman Andrew Lubusha, Chief Mafuta, Chief Mununkwa , representatives of Chieftainess Nkhomesha Mukamambo , Freedom fighters and government officials were among people that attended the burial.

Former President Rupiah Banda was represented by his son Andrew Banda, as a multitude of people from Chief Mafuta’s area and beyond looked on.