Patriotic Front secretary general Davies Mwila (left) leads other party members in laying wreaths.

By JAMES KUNDA –
ZAMBIANS from all walks of life have paid tribute to late President Michael Sata who died on October 28, 2014.
The country yesterday observed a memorial marking two years after the death of Mr Sata, who died in London, United Kingdom (UK,) after an illness.
President Edgar Lungu described Mr Sata, who founded the Patriotic Front (PF) in 2001, as his mentor and a leader who served the nation well during his service in many portfolios, including the presidency.
“Remembering my mentor, the late President Michael Chilufya Sata. He served our nation well and paved way to a developed and unified Zambia. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Lungu said in a post on his Facebook page.
The Head of State, who took over the PF presidency from Mr Sata in 2015, said the late president lived a life that ‘he had chosen’, one well hard fought for, full of inspiration, trials, tribulations but triumphant.
He said Mr Sata epitomised the words courage, resilience and tenacity.
“For many of us that worked closely with him, and of course members of his immediate family, he has never gone.
“His spirit lives forever and continues to inspire us. The King is gone but long live the King! MHSRIP (May his soul rest in eternal peace. Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” Mr Lungu wrote.
Meanwhile, a sombre atmosphere characterised a wreath-laying ceremony on Mr Sata’s grave at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
Vice-President Inonge Wina and some Cabinet ministers later in the day also visited the Embassy Park to remember Mr Sata.
PF Secretary General Davies Mwila led a procession of the party’s central committee members and other senior officials in remembering the late president.
Mr Mwila urged party members to emulate the life that Mr Sata led, because it was premised on hard work, love and peace.
“We remember Mr Sata as a hard worker who encouraged us all to love one another and embrace peace.
“Due to Mr Sata’s achievements, PF has grown from having one Member of Parliament (MP) in 2001 to 43 in 2006 and now we have more than 80 and we are in Government,” Mr Mwila said.
His sentiments were echoed by PF member of the central committee Jean Kapata, who said all party members should work in unison for the institution to continue moving forward.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili, also in a post on his Facebook page, said Mr Sata was a ‘hero’.
“I miss you boss, continue to rest in peace, we will never forget your courage, charisma and compassion.
“Gone but not forgotten, your memories continue to live on and your vision for a greater Zambia remains alive,” said Dr Kambwili, who is also chief Government spokesperson and Roan PF MP.