Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Nelly B K Mutti today, Monday 22nd November, 2021 led a sombre National Assembly in honouring the late Kabwata Constituency Member of Parliament, Mr. Levy Mkandawire who died on Thursday, 18th November, 2021, in a road traffic accident that occurred outside his house in Chalata Road, Woodlands Extension.

Speaking during the Valedictory Service of the Late Kabwata Member of Parliament held at Parliament Buildings this morning, the Honourable Speaker described him as a passionate representative of the people of Kabwata who served them diligently. She also said from the little interactions she had with the late Mr. Mkandawire, she could confidently describe him as a gentle man who enjoyed the company and support of his fellow parliamentarians.

Speaker Mutti further described the late lawmaker as one who exhibited a mature nonpartisan and socially approachable character to Parliamentary and national issues.

Speaking during the same service, Government Chief Whip Honourable Stafford Mulusa stated that since joining the United Party for National Development (UPND) in 2007, Mr. Mkandawire’s dedication, leadership and love for the party had been evident and unwavering. He highlighted that from 2014 to 2016, Mr Mkandawire had served as Vice Provincial Chairman – Administrationin the UPND and later in 2016, he was appointed as Party National Trustee, a position he held until his death on Thursday, 18th November, 2021.

Honourable Mulusa also described the late law maker as an exemplary leader who was soft spoken, jovial and gentle who worked and served the party with diligence. He added that Mr Mkandawire was eager to serve the people of Kabwata, especially the youth and that his priority was to change the status quo of unemployment in his Constituency. He, however, stated that the UPND would ensure that it fulfils Mr Mkandawire’s aspiration in his honour.

In the same vein, the Leader of Opposition Honourable Brian Mundubile, in a speech read on his behalf by the Acting Leader of OppositionMr. Nickson Chilangwa, said the Patriotic Front stands with the UPND and the Family of the late Mr Levy Mkandawire in this trying moment. Honourable Mundubile saidthat although the late Mr. Mkandawire’s life in Parliament was relatively short, the Patriotic Front found him to be a very dedicated, hardworking and a disciplinedMember of Parliament.He added that his party would remember him as focused and committed to national duty.

The Leader of Opposition also thanked the entire Parliamentary Leadership for operationalising the provisions of Standing Order 211, which speak to the procedure of holding a valedictory service for a late Honourable Member. The late Mr. Levy Mkandawire’s Valedictory Service was the first of its kind to be held at the National Assembly of Zambia. This is owing to the revised Standing Orders of 2021 which provide for the holding of a valedictory service for a late Honourable Member. Previously, the National Assembly of Zambia only held valedictory services for Presidents who died in Office.

The late law maker was elected as Member of Parliament for Kabwata Constituency on 12th August, 2021 and died on 18thNovember 2021. He also served in two Parliamentary Committees; Agricultural, Lands and Natural resources and Media information and communication Technology”.