Zambia’s President Guy Scott Becomes First White President of Post-Colonial Africa

President Scott is now the first white president of any African nation since Former President FW de Klerk conceded power to Nelson Mandela in 1994. He had presided over several official functions in the absence of Late President Sata, but was never appointed acting president until earlier today.

Former President Sata died late on Tuesday in a London hospital after a long bout of illness.

President Scott will now look to complete the last 3 months of Former President Sata’s term. However, it is unlikely that he will be eligible for the coming round of elections due to constitutional stipulations affecting his citizenship.

In a brief televised address Mr Scott confirmed his appointment.

"The period of national mourning will start today. We will miss our beloved president and comrade," Reuters news agency quotes him as saying.

"He is a black man in a white man’s skin," said Nathan Phiri, a bus driver. "The very fact we accepted him as vice-president shows that we consider him as one of us."

The president's death comes just days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.

Cabinet secretary Roland Msiska said on national TV that President Sata's wife and son were at his bedside.