Zambia’s former vice president Guy Scott dies at 82
Former acting president made history as Africa’s only white head of state since apartheid
Zambia’s former vice president Guy Scott, who briefly became the only white head of state in Africa after the end of apartheid, has died at the age of 82.
Scott died at his farm in Lusaka following a short illness, according to a statement from Zambia’s cabinet secretary Patrick Kangwa.
A historic presidency
Scott served as Zambia’s vice president from 2011 to 2014 under President Michael Sata.
Following Sata’s death in 2014, Scott became acting president, making him the first white leader of an African country since South Africa’s former president FW de Klerk.
However, his time in office lasted less than three months after constitutional rules prevented him from contesting a presidential election because his parents were not born in Zambia.
He was later succeeded by Edgar Lungu, who served as president from 2015 to 2021.
Legacy in Zambian politics
Born in Zambia to Scottish parents, Scott was an economist and longtime politician who played a major role in the country’s political landscape.
Despite his brief time as acting president, his appointment attracted international attention because of Zambia’s history and the wider political context of race and leadership in Africa.
Zambia is scheduled to hold elections next month, with Scott’s death coming at a significant moment in the country’s political calendar.
