Notable People in Zambia Who Died Since 2024
The Echo of Great Lives and Zambia’s Notable Losses Since 2024
In the past two years, Zambia has bid farewell to a generation of leaders, artists, and visionaries whose influence will ripple far beyond their lifetimes. Their stories form part of the nation’s living memory—a reminder that the measure of a life is not in years, but in the depth of its mark.
Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha was more than a soldier—he was a guardian of Zambia’s skies and a seasoned political hand. Serving as Air Force Commander and later in key ministerial positions, Shikapwasha embodied discipline and service. His leadership, often in turbulent political waters, left an enduring template for military professionalism in public life.
Justice Annel Musenga Silungwe, Zambia’s longest-serving Chief Justice, carried the Constitution in his heart. His 17 years at the helm of the judiciary were defined by a steady commitment to rule of law, even when the political winds blew harshly. His later contributions in Namibia underscored the respect his wisdom commanded beyond Zambia’s borders.
From the court bench to the concert stage, Matthew Ngosa preached through melody. His gospel hits like Umutima Wandi weren’t just songs—they were prayers set to music. Even in illness, he radiated hope, leaving a soundtrack of faith for generations to lean on.
Maureen Mwanawasa, lawyer and former First Lady, took her platform and turned it into a pulpit for social good. From championing women’s rights to advocating for better housing, her work extended beyond State House, carrying the same tenacity in the private sphere as she did in public office.
Cynthia Zukas
In art, Cynthia Zukas’ brushstrokes told Zambia’s story in color and texture. She nurtured generations of artists, giving Zambia a visual language to complement its oral and musical traditions.
The youngest on this list, Dora Moono Nyambe, showed that legacy is not about longevity but intensity. Through Footprints of Hope, she built a school in a rural village, proving that compassion paired with action can move mountains—and inspire millions, even through a TikTok feed.
Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu (1956 – 5 June 2025)
Finally on this Lensesview listing, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zambia’s sixth president, leaves a complex but undeniable political imprint.
His years in power saw both celebration and controversy, yet his political comeback attempts showed a resilience that mirrored the fierce competitive spirit of Zambian politics.
His passing in June 2025 marked the end of a chapter in the nation’s recent history.
Together, these figures remind us that Zambia’s story is not written by politicians alone, nor by artists, jurists, or philanthropists in isolation—but by the interplay of all their contributions. Their lives, each in their own way, shaped the Zambia we live in today. And while their voices have fallen silent, their legacies continue to speak.