Rupiah Bwezani Banda was a Zambian politician who served as the fourth president of Zambia from 2008 to 2011, taking over from Levy Mwanawasa, who died as the sitting president. Banda died on March 11th 2022.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has declared Friday March 18th 2022 as a Public Holiday.
The President made the declaration under the Public Holidays Act, Cap 272 of the Laws of Zambia.
Acting Secretary to the cabinet Patrick Kangwa said that the declaration is meant to facilitate a befitting State Funeral and burial ceremony to the former President.
“In view of the declaration, the government is urging members of the public and the business community to observe the public holiday in a dignified manner as the nation puts to rest President Banda, a gallant Freedom Fighter, Great Son of the Nation and Statesman,” Kangwa said.
Kangwa said the public is further guided that attendance to the State Funeral Church Service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross is strictly by invitation.
He said the burial ceremony at the Presidential Burial Site is a private function restricted to family members and a few invited guests.
“The public is, however, encouraged to follow the live ZNBC Television broadcast of the State Funeral proceedings at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross and burial ceremony at the Presidential Burial Site, Embassy Park,” Kangwa said.
He said the live proceedings will also be made available on other social media platforms.
He said as the nation observes the public holiday on Friday, institutions which provide essential services are requested to ensure that adequate arrangements are put in place to avoid a disruption in the provision of such services.
