LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Zambian politician and a cadre of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Matomola Likwanya has raised concerns over the enormous daily expenses incurred by the Lungu family while in South Africa.
Likwanya who serves as the Lusaka District Information and Publicity Secretary for the party claims that the family spends approximately R300,000 per day (about ZMW 395,963.40 or MK 29,472,000).
The costs include storing a deceased body at a South African private hospital, which is typically part of the basic undertaker fees, starting around R4,000 (ZMW 5,280.85 / MWK 392,960) per day.
If multiplied by 60 days, the storage alone comes to R240,000 (ZMW 316,851 / MWK 23,577,600).
Cleaning and taking care of the body daily costs R10,000 (ZMW 13,202.91 / MWK 982,400).
Over a 60-day period, this service amounts to R600,000 (ZMW 792,174.6 / MWK 58,944,000).
The family also hired a private burial at a VVIP site, costing R50,000 (ZMW 65,990.75 / MWK 4,921,000), excluding other funeral arrangements like coffins and services, which reportedly reached R300,000 (ZMW 395,963.40 / MWK 29,472,000).
In addition, private security agents were employed at R250 per hour, totaling R6,000 per day (ZMW 7,921 / MWK 590,400), and over 60 days this amounts to R360,000 (ZMW 475,144.20 / MWK 35,424,000).
These costs are exclusive of apartment bookings for over 100 people and legal fees for top South African lawyers.
Likwanya estimates the Lungu family spends close to R300,000 per day (ZMW 395,963.40 / MWK 29,472,000).
Over a 60-day period, the total expenditure is estimated at R18,000,000 (ZMW 23,757,804 / MWK 1,768,320,000).
This extraordinary spending has sparked public debate over the source of the family’s wealth and how they amassed such resources in a short time.
Some observers argue that the family is indifferent to delays in the legal case because of their financial capacity, while concerns arise over the choice of lawyers who have allegedly prolonged the matter and added to expenses.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some criticizing the reported figures as exaggerated, while others emphasize the broader implications of such wealth in the context of Zambia’s socio-economic challenges.
Some citizens have pointed out that the government itself incurs costs in relation to the case, highlighting that taxpayer money is also at stake.
Others focus on moral and ethical considerations, urging that resources of this magnitude could have been directed to charity or public benefit rather than prolonged personal expenditure.
Despite the controversy, Likwanya’s remarks have shed light on the scale of spending associated with the family’s time in South Africa, prompting questions about accountability, wealth accumulation, and priorities.
Concluding Analysis
The Lungu family’s reported spending in South Africa exemplifies the intersection of wealth, privilege, and public scrutiny.
While some see it as a demonstration of financial capability, others interpret it as a reflection of societal inequality and misaligned priorities.
The debate also underscores the importance of transparency, both for private citizens and public figures, especially when legal proceedings, family wealth, and state involvement converge.
Ultimately, this issue is not just about money, but about accountability, societal perception, and the ethical use of resources in times of public interest.
