Former Zambian Vice President Guy Scott, who made history as Africa’s first white head of state in two decades when he briefly served as acting president in 2014, has died at the age of 82.
The Zambian government announced on Wednesday that Scott passed away after an illness at his farm in the Leopards Hill area of Lusaka.
Scott served as vice president under President Michael “King Cobra” Sata from 2011 until Sata’s death in October 2014. Following the president’s passing, Scott assumed the role of acting president and led the country until January 2015.
His appointment marked a historic milestone, making him the first white head of state in Africa since former South African President F.W. de Klerk left office in 1994.
Born in Zambia to Scottish parents, Scott studied economics at the University of Cambridge before entering politics. Although he served as acting president, he was constitutionally barred from contesting the subsequent presidential election because both of his parents were born outside Zambia.
President Hakainde Hichilema has granted Scott a state funeral in recognition of his service and contributions to the country, the government said in a statement.
