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Several African heads of state witnessed the burial of Mwanawasa at Embassy Park, opposite Cabinet Offices, the day he was supposed to celebrate his 60th birthday.
First Lady Maureen broke down as Mwanawasa's casket was lowered into the ground.
“The best way to remember President Mwanawasa is not only to emulate what he stood for, but to ensure that all the programmes he initiated are implemented and some implemented in enhanced speed,” Banda, who outlined various achievements attained under the leadership of Mwanawasa, said during the church service held at Parliament buildings here.
South African President Thabo Mbeki who also spoke at the funeral service urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to sign the SADC Free Trade Agreement this year, saying that it was an appropriate and befitting tribute to late President Mwanawasa that the agreement be signed.
Mbeki, who is also SADC chairperson, praised Mwanawasa for his honesty and integ rity, noting that he was never afraid to speak his mind and that he instilled a culture of transparency in his government and launched the biggest anti-corruption campaign in Zambia.
Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who is African Union chairman, described Mwa nawasa as a “dependable ally and a great friend of the people of Tanzania as well as the African continent.”
“President Mwanawasa served his country, the SADC region and Africa with a lot of dedication and devotion,” Kikwete said.
Among the leaders that attended the state funeral were Presidents Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Mbingu Wa Mutharika (Malawi), Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) and John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana.
Others are DR Congo's Joseph Kabila, Rwanda's Paul Kagame, Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Mozambique's Armando Geubuza, Botswana's Ian Khama and Lesotho Prime M inister Pakhalitha Mosisili.
Also in attendance were Vice-President of Uganda Professor Gilbert Bukenya, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, Swaziland deputy Prime Minister Constance Simelane and First Vice-President of Sudan.
Thousands of people were able to watch proceedings on giant television screens s et up by government in selected townships and in homes through live transmission of the funeral ceremony.
Mwanawasa, who lived with diabetes and hypertension ailments, suffered a stroke 29 June while holding preliminary and consultative meetings on the eve of the African Union summit in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheik.
He was taken to the Sharm El-Sheik Hospital for first aid medical attention before being evacuated to Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France, 1 July where he was admitted until his death 19 August.
His remains was flown to Lusaka three days after his death and taken to provincial centres throughout the country to enable the public view it.
Mwanawasa, who is the third Zambian president, was inaugurated 2 January, 2002, following his victory in the presidential elections.
He will be remembered for his strong fight against corruption that led to the prosecution of second republic President Frederick Chiluba who is still on trial.
President Mwanawasa was chairperson of the SADC at the time of his illness, was also outspoken in his criticism of Zimbabwean President Mugabe.
However, Mugabe, who was among several heads of state and foreign dignitaries who paid last respect to Mwanawasa's remains Tuesday described the deceased as a great colleague who was always frank in expressing his honest view.
“I bring to the people of Zambia and the family of President Mwanawasa, now, deceased, the sympathy and condolences of the brotherly and sister people of Zimbabwe, over the very sad loss of a great man,” Mugabe said when he signed the condolence register at State House Tuesday.
Born in Mufulira, Zambia, 3 September, 1948, Mwanawasa was the second born in a family of 10.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen, and six children.
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