**Zambia’s First White Leader, Guy Scott, Dies at 82**
Former acting President of Zambia, Guy Scott, has passed away at the age of 82, as confirmed by the Zambian government. His death occurred on Wednesday at his farm in Lusaka, the capital city of the southern African nation, following an illness. The announcement was made through a statement from Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa.
Scott's legacy is significant, as he was the first white head of state in sub-Saharan Africa since the end of apartheid. His tenure as acting president began in October 2014 after the death of President Michael Sata, under Zambia's constitutional succession rules. Scott served in this role for approximately three months, until Edgar Lungu was inaugurated following a special election in January 2015.
In recognition of Scott's contributions to the nation, current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that he will receive a state funeral. Kangwa's statement noted that burial arrangements will be disclosed at a later date. Hichilema expressed his admiration for Scott, describing him as a “true Zambian patriot” who dedicated many years to public service. He commended Scott for guiding the country through a challenging transition period with a commitment to constitutional order.
Born in Zambia to Scottish and English parents, Scott became a prominent figure in Zambian politics after entering parliament in 1991. He served as vice president under Sata from 2011 until Sata's death in office in October 2014. His brief presidency was characterized by internal power struggles within the ruling Patriotic Front party. Notably, Scott dismissed Lungu as the party’s secretary-general in November 2014, only to reverse the decision the following day due to protests and unrest in Lusaka.
Scott's educational background includes a degree from Cambridge University, where he studied economics. He also held the position of agriculture minister, during which he was recognized for his effective management of a severe regional drought and food shortage.
Despite his significant role in Zambian politics, Scott was unable to contest the 2015 presidential election due to a constitutional provision that barred candidates whose parents were not Zambian by birth or descent from running for the presidency. This provision prevented him from continuing his political career at the highest level.
Following his time in the Patriotic Front, Scott distanced himself from the party and aligned with the United Party for National Development, which is currently led by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Scott's passing marks the end of a notable chapter in Zambia's political history, and his contributions will be remembered as part of the nation's journey since independence from British colonial rule in 1964.