By Jane Chanda
Former minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo has described the late George Mpombo as a down-to-earth politician.
Mpombo, who served as Defence minister in the Levy Mwanawasa and Rupiah Banda governments died on Sunday September 22, 2024.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Katambo described Mpombo as a unifier and a man who was down-to-earth.
He said the late politician was not afraid to speak his mind.
Katambo also said Mpombo called a spade a spade when something was wrong and needed correction.
He said the late was a pioneering politician who left an indelible mark on Zambia’s political landscape and that his legacy would continue to inspire a new generation of leaders in Lamba land, particularly in Masaiti district, where his leadership and dedication to his constituents earned him widespread respect.
According to Katambo, Mpombo’s close relationship with late president Levy Patrick Mwanawasa was instrumental in his political journey.
“Mr. Mpombo was very close to me and the late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa. He joined politics through him, especially coming from the Copperbelt, the rural part of the Copperbelt, Masaiti district in particular,” Katambo said.
He also credited Mpombo for his contributions to Zambia’s energy sector.
Katambo praised the late Mpombo’s leadership, pointing out his contributions to Zambia’s peace and development.
“Mr. Mpombo was Minister of Defense, and the country was at peace, you saw how he performed as a Minister and member of parliament (MP) he brought massive development in Kafulafuta,” said Katambo.
He said under Mpombo’s leadership, many areas on the Copperbelt Province gained electricity access, transforming the region.
He said, this electrification drive enabled the growth of small businesses, stimulating local economic development.
“Additionally, Mpombo’s legacy includes improved road infrastructure, with many roads being graded during his tenure,” he said
The former minister also said Mpombo would be greatly missed by politicians.
He said the late encouraged agriculture, seeing that his constituency was rural, and wanted people to be food secure at household level.
Katambo said he visited Mpombo during his illness and cherished their conversations, despite Mpombo’s inability to speak much at the time.
Mpombo, 70 years, died on Sunday at Ndola Teaching Hospital, after an illness.
The late Mpombo also served as a Cabinet Minister between 2003 to 2009.
