07/08/2026
IN PICTURE
Former Cabinet Minister and Independent member of parliament candidate for Nkeyema Constituency, Austin Chisangu Liato, has died, bringing to an end a long career in Zambian politics and public service. He was 60 years old.
Liato served as Member of Parliament for Kaoma Central from 2002 to 2011 after winning the seat in the 2001 general elections. During his time in government, he held several senior positions, including Deputy Minister of Energy, Minister for Lusaka Province, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security, and later Minister of Labour and Social Security. He also represented Zambia in the Pan-African Parliament, where he contributed to continental legislative affairs.
Known for his decades of involvement in national politics, Liato remained active in public life and had entered the 2026 general election race as an Independent candidate for Nkeyema Constituency, expressing his desire to continue serving the people.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, with many remembering him as a committed public servant whose career spanned more than two decades in Parliament and government.
His death has been described as a significant loss to his family, supporters, the people of Nkeyema, and the nation at large. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.