Veep comforts Regina’s family
Published On February 28, 2017 » 2335 Views» By Davies M.M Chanda » HOME SLIDE SHOW, SHOWCASE
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. Wina

. Wina

By STEVEN ZANDE –
ACTING President Inonge Wina was among hundreds of mourners from different walks of life that visited the funeral house of late former Republican President Frederick Chiluba’s wife Regina who died at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) on Sunday aged 55.
Ms Wina who is Republican Vice-President arrived at the funeral house at  exactly 15:00 hours, comforted the bereaved family and only left at 15:55 hours.
Heritage Party (HP) president Brig Gen Godfrey Miyanda, Dr Nevers Mumba, several Cabinet Ministers were among many other prominent personalities that visited the funeral house.
Family spokesperson Faustin Chewe said Ms Chiluba had suffered from a high grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer.
“Ms Chiluba is survived by five children namely Bwalya, Makasa, Mando, Lombe and Malama. She will be buried in Lusaka on a date to be  announced as soon as travel arrangements for her close relatives abroad were known,” MrChewe said.
MMD national secretary Raphael Nakacinda said the death of MsChiluba had devastated the party and the nation especially that she had contributed immensely to the MMD women’s movement.
Mr Nakacinda said Ms Chiluba was an exemplary woman leader in that she stood by late husband Dr Fredrick Chiluba in difficult times.
Meanwhile, former Times of Zambia editor-in-chief Vernon Mwaanga has said the death of Radio Phoenix founder Errol Hickey marks the end of an iconic era of photojournalism in Zambia.
Dr Mwaanga said Mr Hickey who died on Sunday, aged 72, was a firm believer in media independence and championed the rights of
journalists to report and uphold integrity without fear or favour.
He said this passion inspired Mr Hickey to open Radio Phoenix, the first largest private radio station in the country which played a vital role in informing the public in Zambia and abroad.
Dr Mwaanga said the late would be missed also for his generosity and warmth which was demonstrated through his assistance which he rendered to disadvantaged groups including the physically challenged.
People from different walks of life yesterday trooped to the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka to sign the book of condolences which had been opened by son in law Andreas Damalis.
Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) president Oscar Chavula said Mr Hickey inspired many existing private radio owners and transformed the way radio sounded, communicated ideas and opinions though the flagship programme ‘Let the People Talk’.
Mr Chavula said Mr Hickey would be remembered for his role in pioneering the liberalisation of airwaves in Zambia back in the early 90s.
Film producer Lawrence Thompson said he had been greatly inspired by Mr Hickey in the early years of his career and continued to consult him over projects.
One of Mr Hickey’s productions, Vanishing Footprints, a documentary about the decimation of the rhino population in Zambia due to poaching, won him international acclaim.
The  Independent  Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General Josephine Mapomadescribed  Mr Hickey a professional who was very particular about ethical issues.
“We shall miss Mr Hickey. He taught broadcasting to young broadcasters and to-date Radio Phoenix is the most listened to private radio station,” she said.
Zambia Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) chairperson Beauty Katebe said Mr Hickey was instrumental in promoting free speech through Radio Phoenix which had given a platform to people of diverse backgrounds to air their views on various issues affecting the nation.
The church service for Mr Hickey will be held on Friday at St Ignatius Church and that would be followed by burial at the Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka.

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