Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Reverend Godfridah Sumaili says former president Frederick Chiluba’s widow Regina was a humble politician who united the MMD women’s league.

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba described Regina as a courageous woman who stood strong for her husband in difficult times.

Meanwhile, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema encouraged the family to stay strong during the trying period.

Speaking during Regina’s requiem mass at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross today, Rev Sumaili said the nation had lost a great woman who had a passion for God and poor women.

“Regina was a humble politician who united the MMD women’s league. She was a hardworking woman, a loving mother and a person who stood by her husband. The nation has lost a great woman who had a passion for God and poor women,” said Rev Sumaili.

And Mwamba, who was Chiluba’s spokesperson, said Regina was loyal to her family and husband.

“Regina was a courageous woman. I remember the time when late president Chiluba was being persecuted, this woman was always there for him. She was a woman who had the fear of God and she could always encourage her late husband to believe in God,” said Mwamba adding that Regina would be remembered for her hard work, kindness and love.

Meanwhile, Hichilema encouraged Regina’s family to stay strong.

“As you have heard from the church, she was a wonderful human being, a child of God and all the good things have been said already in Church. We can only wish the family Godly ways to continue amongst themselves. Otherwise, we all don’t know when we are going, only God knows when our time shall come. We will all accept it because we have no choice. We wish the family strength once again,” said Hichilema.

The requiem mass was attended by hundreds of dignitaries who paid their last respects.

Regina succumbed to cancer on February 25, 2017 at the University Teaching Hospital.