Zambia’s fourth President Rupiah Bwezani Banda has been diagnosed with cancer of the colon but has not disclosed whether the disease is in the initial stages or advanced.
According to a statement issued by Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Fourth Republican President Chibeza Nfuni, Mr. Banda said he has decided to disclose his condition because the Zambian people deserved to know.
“I have been moved to make this announcement taking into consideration that, although, this is a personal and private matter, which was initially only known by my close relatives, including my two sisters, Mrs Velesi Katema and Mrs Seba Zulu, my younger brother Mr James Banda and my children here in Zambia and diaspora, led by my eldest son James Banda, the Zambian People, who honoured me with the privilege to serve them as Head of State, for which I will remain forever grateful and indebted, deserve to know that I have been diagnosed with cancer of the colon, read the statement.
Mr Banda said that as the nation knows, he lost his first wife Hope Makulu Banda to cancer and as fate would have it his second wife Thandiwe Chilongo Banda is a cancer survivor, and hope to rely on her counsel and encouragement.
“My wife Thandiwe Chilongo Banda is a cancer survivor, therefore her counsel and encouragement and support born out of her own experience, after having successfully battled this type of disease, is a great source of inspiration and comfort to me,’ he said
The former head of state further disclosed that he has been receiving treatment from his doctor Dr Shaileni Desai for some months now, and acknowledged the assistance he has received from the Government.
“Am very grateful to, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for his personal support and that of the government in facilitating for my treatment.”
The former head of state has further appealed to Zambians for support saying:
“So as I continue to battle against this terrible disease, I ask for your prayers and with the grace of God, I will be able to overcome”
Sad news
I am praying for you father. You are a great father of the nation and over the years I have gained from your advice and wisdom. Get well soon. You can beat this evil disease.
Sad news
Our good Leader, wishing you quick recovery.
May the Almighty God bless you always ?
Sad development. Wishing him strength in this difficult time.
May God make it easy for him and grant strength as he undergoes treatment. Chemotherapy can be hard to cope with sometimes
After all, we were just received. You are a great son of this country..A true patriot… whatever it is, we stand together Comrade Banda
Quick recovery,God speed,Papa Bwezani! Despite the frailties of your short leadership as a Head of State,you deserve our sympathies as times were far better under your leadership than now! AT LEAST THERE WAS FREEDOM FOR THE OPPOSITION TO MOBILISE,VIOLENCE WAS MINIMAL,BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS WERE LARGELY RESPECTED BOW THE ILLS FOR WHICH WE VOTED YOU OUT HAVE ONLY WORSENED!
QUICK RECOVERY MR PRESIDENT. MAY THE HEALING POWER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TOUCH YOU AND GRANT YOU PEACE.
Very quick recovery our good president. A good man who didn’t know tribe, colour or origin of a person. I pray that you recover quickly so that we continue to learn and consult you in all aspects of our history as Zambians.
Wishing u a quick Recovery Sir Our 4 th Republican President
Wishes of Godspeed recovery goes out to you dear Bwezani Banda .I truly miss RB’s great years of great economic indicators.
We pray for his recovery and wish him well.
We pray for your healing my good Sir.
Wishing you a quick recovery God bless you sir
Get well soon Mr President.
More $$$ going out ………… whilst the poor have on suffer here
With his $$ he will be fine Good Luck
God this God that ????? He has nothing to do with it
Praying for your quick recovery President Rupiah Banda, you’re one of my favourite leaders that Zambia has had. You can beat this cancer, there’s good treatments nowadays and you will definitely receive the best treatment one can get. Lean on God and trust that if your wife Thandiwe beat Cancer, then so can you!!! There’s hope in every situation no matter how bleak it appears to be in that moment. Do not be afraid, just believe in God. My prayers are with you!!!!
When his coffin goes to the grave we should bury the millions that was looted
I remember this man very well before the kat Mwanawasa brought him as VP, he was destitute had little wealth.
Within no time became multi millionaire. Before I end he never made any wealth from his basic farming venture
Sad news
Quick recovery Mr President
Mr. President I will pray for you. We thank you for having been our president.
First Former Acting President Scott got Cancer now Former President Banda gets cancer, when will Lungu get it….
True States Man spirit and every fight requires that level of great strength.
Which President hasnt looted this country……
Vilified not so long ago .. and now esculated to sainthood ???
Obviously we wish him a good recovery
But remember a spade is a spade
I wish our former President and his family well during this difficult time. I first heard of his condition from the ZNBC news last evening. It was unbelievable to see how much weight President Banda seems to have lost. It is quiet sad that he has to go through such a painful experience in his advanced age. President Banda, I wish you acceptance of your condition and peace of mind as you go through this trying moment. May God continue to strengthen you, Mr. President.