Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Parliament of Zimbabwe has joined the Parliament and people of Zambia in mourning the untimely passing of Mr Roy Ngulube, the Clerk of Parliament for Zambia, who died while on official duty in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly.
In a statement, the Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Advocate Jacob Mudenda, together with the president of the Senate, Honourable Mabel Chinomona, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Tsitsi Gezi, the Deputy president of the Senate, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya, Members of Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda, and the staff of Parliament extended heartfelt condolences to the Ngulube family.
“Indeed, a dark cloud engulfs the entire SADC Region, as we have been robbed of a dedicated colleague and indefatigable compatriot,” reads a statement issued.
“Mr. Ngulube was not only a towering figure in Zambia’s public service but also a beacon of excellence, whose passion and commitment to legislative development knew no borders.”
A distinguished career public servant, Mr Ngulube dedicated over 30 years to Zambia’s public service.
He began his journey in the National Assembly as an Assistant Committee Clerk in 2002 and rose through the ranks to the apex of parliamentary administration, being appointed Clerk of Parliament in September 2023. His career was a model of integrity, diligence, and professional excellence.
The Parliament of Zimbabwe described Mr Ngulube as a “gentle giant,” remembered for his warm demeanor, humility, and wisdom.
“His ever-present infectious smile and reassuring presence endeared him to all who had the privilege of working with him,” the statement read.
Mr Ngulube played a pivotal role in the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), notably serving as Executive Assistant to the Zambian Secretary General between 2006 and 2008.
“His loss is not only for the Republic of Zambia’s to bear, but one felt across the entire SADC region, extending to the Parliaments of the African Geopolitical Group and indeed his colleagues in the IPU Association of the Secretary Generals of Parliaments.”
He was also a key figure in the successful hosting of the 56th Plenary Assembly Meeting of the SADC PF in Livingstone, Zambia, in December 2024, where he served as the lead administrator.
“The Parliament of Zimbabwe was eagerly preparing to receive Mr Ngulube in Victoria Falls for the 57th Plenary Assembly scheduled for May and June 2025. Tragically, death, the unkind thief of time and life, did not grant us that chance.”
Mr Ngulube’s dedication to public service, his efforts to build and strengthen regional parliamentary institutions, and his exemplary character will continue to inspire generations of public servants across Africa.
