SECRETARY to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has urged Zambians to embrace the values of integrity, humility and honesty in a quest to mitigate corruption in the country.
Mr Kangwa said citizens must uphold good values and principles to create a better environment for everyone.
He was speaking in Lusaka on Sunday afternoon during the church service in honor of late former councilor, deputy mayor, mayor of Lusaka City Council and Kanyama Member of Parliament in the 60s and 70s, Fleefort Chirwa, at Libala Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.
Mr Kangwa conveyed the condolences to the Chirwa family on behalf of the Government of Zambia and the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.
He described the deceased as a great man of integrity, patriot, humble, peaceful and a servant of the people.
“What is our take home message as Government? We are saying we have honest people, people of integrity, humble people and people who don’t have to steal or people who don’t have to be corruption like Mr Chirwa. The ma lived a long life and remained to be a dedicated servant. As we put to rest this giant of honest, we too may keep the fire burning by observing his integrity, humility, peace and love for humanity,” Mr Kangwa said.
He said Mr Chirwa touched many lives of people in Kanyama, Lusaka, Zambia and the whole world.
“I first met Mr Chirwa in the late 80s when I was councilor, deputy mayor and mayor of Lusaka. Mr Chirwa guided me very well even when I went to work for the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU). For him it was service. He had humility and desire to serve humanity. He asked for assistance for the people of Kanyanya when I was at the DMMU. For Mr Chirwa, his priority was on providing a good service to the people,” he said
In his sermon during the service, senior Adventist pastor Hamilton Mulendema said there was hope beyond death for those who die in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mulendema said it was precious in the sight of the Lord when the saints die according to Psalms 116.15.
“Elder Chirwa has run his race in a godly manner and is now waiting for resurrection. In revelations 14:13, blessed are those who die in the Lord as they will rest in their labour and their good works will follow them,” he said.
Mr Chirwa’s wife, Agness, said the deceased had left an indelible mark and a huge gap to the family and the country as he was a man of integrity and honest.
She described Mr Chirwa as a caring, supportive, loving and hardworking husband.
“His last words to me was that I should be strong until we meet again during the resurrection morning when Jesus Christ comes,” she said.
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