This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30003727

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Zambia President Michael Sata: State funeral held Zambia President Michael Sata: State funeral held
(about 9 hours later)
Zambia is holding a state funeral for President Michael Sata, who died last month in a UK hospital at the age of 77. Zambia has held a state funeral for President Michael Sata, who died last month aged 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in a UK hospital.
Tens of thousands of people are attending the Catholic Mass at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka. Tens of thousands of people attended the Catholic Mass at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka.
Regional leaders are amongst those who have come to pay their respects. Regional leaders were amongst those who came to pay their respects.
Known as "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, Mr Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011.Known as "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, Mr Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011.
The country is now being run by an acting president, and fresh elections are expected in January.The country is now being run by an acting president, and fresh elections are expected in January.
The BBC's Dennis Okari in Lusaka says it is a very moving and emotional ceremony. 'Dance with my father'
When the coffin of the late president was brought into the stadium there was a deafening wailing, he says. The BBC's Dennis Okari in Lusaka says when the coffin of the late president was brought into the stadium there was a deafening wailing.
A moving and emotional ceremony followed, he says.
One of the president's children, Gerald Sata, sang Dance with my father, written by US soul singer Luther Vandross.
His widow, Christine Sata, also spoke.
"I am not sure whether you are able to hear all the great things your people are saying about you," she said.
Our reporter says there was thunderous applause when she ended her tribute with the words: "Farewell my president, go well oh my love, rest in true peace."
Over the past week, members of the public have paid their respects to their former leader - streaming past Mr Sata's body as it lay in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.Over the past week, members of the public have paid their respects to their former leader - streaming past Mr Sata's body as it lay in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.
His death came days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.His death came days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.
He was the second Zambian president to die in office.He was the second Zambian president to die in office.