29 April 2011
Families of the 1993 Gabon air disaster victims are disappointed with FAZ for changing the Gabon memorial anniversary into a five year cycle without consulting them.
Speaking on behalf of the family members, Peggy Mwape, wife of late former FAZ president Michael said it was wrong for association to change the programme without consulting the families.
She said it was unfortunate FAZ made the families travel to Lusaka for the anniversary only to read in the newspaper that the programme had been changed.
FAZ spokesperson Erick Mwanza announced at a press briefing on Wednesday that the anniversary would be commemorated every after five years with preparations for the 20th anniversary which falls in 2013 already underway.
Mwape said FAZ should have had the courtesy to consult or inform the families prior to the anniversary.
“It is lack of respect for both us and the dead heroes, for FAZ’s failure to consult or inform us about the change of the programme,” Mwape said.
She said FAZ should not heap the blame on the Government because it was the association’s duty to plan for the event before government comes in later.
Mwape said the worst part of this anniversary was that despite FAZ not consulting or informing the families about the change of programme, there was no official from the association to explain the changes.
Mwape said it would be wise for the government to allow the families to exhume the remains of the relatives and bury them near their localities to avoid being inconvenienced.
Mwape said it was imperative that the Government also releases the full report of what caused the plane crash.
The entire national soccer team perished off the coast of Libreville enroute to Senegal for a US 1994 World Cup qualifier .
The families that attended included those of Michael Mwape, Robert Watyakeni, Derby Makinka, Winter Mumba and Chomba.
Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Association (ZAVOSOFA) patron Peter Makembo conducted the ceremony where FAZ was conspicuously missing despite earlier notice that FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya would attend in his individual capacity.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
Gabon Air Disaster Victims’ Families Condemn FAZ Over Memorial Cycle