Guy’s loyalty to Sata, a lesson for current politicians to learn – M’membe
SOCIALIST Party president and ex boss of the Post Newspaper Fred M’membe has described former Vice President Guy Scott as a loyal politician, an attribute that current politicians lack.
In a message of condolence following Dr Scott’s death on Wednesday, Dr M’membe said the loyalty between Dr Scott and late President Michael Sata is a lesson for modern Zambian politicians, whom he has accused of being opportunistic and changing political partnerships like chameleons.
He shared that he found it difficult to write about the former vice-president because he was a very complicated person with many qualities.
Dr M’membe shared his first encounter with Dr Scott in August 1990 at the home of the late Dr Gilbert Mudenda, a friend and Dr Scott’s intellectual associate.
He said Dr Scott was, at the time, deeply involved in intellectual pursuits before later venturing politics.
According to Dr M’membe, Dr Scott’s political career reached its peak when he joined forces with former President Michael Sata.
He said Dr Scott admired Sata’s political skills and became one of his most loyal allies, adding that their partnership strengthened the Patriotic Front (PF) and contributed to the party’s victory in the 2011 general elections.
“From Guy, we learn the meaning and purpose of loyalty in politics. Guy was loyal to Michael to the very end. And, Michael reciprocated.”
“People are loyal to those who are loyal to them. Guy is a great lesson to the political opportunists of today’s Zambian politics who easily change loyalties like a chameleon,” wrote Dr M’membe.
The presidential aspirant later conveyed his condolences to friends and the Scott family.
Dr Scott died on Wednesday, July 15 in Lusaka following an illness.
President Hakainde Hichilema accorded the late state man with a state funeral and five days national mourning.
Dr Scott once acted as Zambia’s president for three months following the death of President Sata in 2014 until he handed over to Edgar Lungu following presidential by-elections in 2015.
