PRETORIA – 22nd July, 2015 – GOVERNMENT says it is happy to see that Archbishop of Lusaka, Telesphore George Mpundu has made remarkable improvement since his evacuation to South Africa on Sunday for specialist treatment.
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba and Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata made the observation this morning when they visited Archbishop Mpundu at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mr. Kalaba said he was troubled prior to the hospital visit but was now at ease after seeing that the cleric has made impressive progress and was in high spirits.
He said government was committed to ensuring that Archbishop Mpundu received the necessary support so that he could quickly recover and return to his duties.
“We were worried before we came and we were constantly asking the High Commissioner how you are doing. Now we see that you are in high spirits and we feel relaxed. Our prayer as government is that you quickly recover so that you can continue with your good works for the nation. Otherwise we are all well at home and everyone is looking forward to your return,” Mr. Kalaba said.
Ms. Kapata said Government was thankful for the life of Archbishop Mpundu and would continue praying for his quick recovery.
And a jovial Archbishop Mpundu said he was feeling much better and was honoured and grateful to President Edgar Lungu for facilitating his evacuation to South Africa.
“I am feeling much better; I am feeling on top of the world. I am in high spirits and with this mood, I can even leave hospital now. The facilitation has been excellent. Please convey my personal gratitude to His Excellency the President. Words are inadequate to express my thanks,” the Archbishop said.
The cleric’s sister, Ms. Margaret Mpundu and Chairperson of the Priest Council, Father Leonard Namuhumba have been at the archbishop’s bedside.
Out-going Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde and officers from the High Commission accompanied the two ministers to the hospital.
President Lungu instructed the evacuation of Archbishop Mpundu to South Africa for specialist treatment following the prelate’s admission to Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital.
Issued by:
Nicky Shabolyo
PRESS SECRETARY
HIGH COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA
Mobile: 00 27 810027548 Email:press@zambiapretoria.net; nshabolyo@gmail.com