Guy Scott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guy Scott
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Scott at the White House in 2014
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| Acting President of Zambia | |
| In office 29 October 2014 – 25 January 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Sata |
| Succeeded by | Edgar Lungu |
| 12th Vice President of Zambia | |
| In office 23 September 2011 – 29 October 2014 |
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| President | Michael Sata |
| Preceded by | George Kunda |
| Succeeded by | Inonge Wina (2015) |
| Member of Parliament | |
| In office 2006–2016 |
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| Preceded by | Dipak Patel |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Mwanakatwe |
| Constituency | Lusaka Central |
| In office 1991–1996 |
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| Succeeded by | Michael Sata |
| Constituency | Mpika Central |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 June 1944 Livingstone, Batoka Province, Northern Rhodesia |
| Died | 15 July 2026 (aged 82) Lusaka, Zambia |
| Political party | UPND (2021–2026) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater |
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| a. | |
Guy Lindsay Scott (born 1 June 1944 – died 15 July 2026) was an important Zambian politician. He served as the acting president of Zambia from 2014 to 2015. Before that, he was the 12th Vice President from 2011 to 2014. When President Michael Sata passed away in October 2014, Guy Scott stepped in as acting president. This made him the first leader of European descent in mainland Africa since 1989.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Guy Lindsay Scott was born on June 1, 1944, in Livingstone, Zambia. At that time, Zambia was called Northern Rhodesia. His father, Alec Scott, was a doctor from Scotland. His mother, Grace, came from England. Guy Scott's father was also a politician. He supported Zambian independence and started newspapers to promote it. This inspired young Guy Scott to get involved in politics later.
Guy Scott went to school in what is now Zimbabwe. Then, he studied economics at Cambridge University in England. After finishing his studies in 1965, he returned to Zambia. He worked for the new Zambian government in the Ministry of Finance. He also helped edit a business magazine.
In 1970, Guy Scott started his own farming business called Walkover Estates. He grew special crops like wheat and strawberries. People knew him as a good boss who spoke the local language. He was also known for bringing people together.
Later, Scott went back to England to study more. He earned a master's degree and a doctorate from the University of Sussex. He studied interesting subjects like how the mind works and artificial intelligence. He also studied robotics at Oxford University.
Political Journey
In 1990, Guy Scott joined a political party called the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD). He became the head of their Agriculture Committee.
He was elected to the Zambian Parliament in 1991. He represented the area of Mpika Central. After this, he became the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. During his time as minister, he helped manage a very serious drought in 1992. He worked hard to bring food, like maize, into Zambia when there wasn't enough. He also helped the country recover and have a good harvest the next year. In 1993, he was removed from his position by President Frederick Chiluba.
Later, in 1996, Guy Scott left the MMD party. He helped create a new party called the Lima Party. He also helped combine several parties to form the Zambia Alliance for Progress. In 2001, he joined another party, the Patriotic Front. He was elected to Parliament again in 2006, this time for Lusaka Central.
Becoming Vice President
In September 2011, there was a presidential election. The candidate for the Patriotic Front, Michael Sata, won. Guy Scott was then sworn in as the Vice President on September 29, 2011. This was a historic moment. He was the first Zambian leader of European descent to hold this position since Zambia became independent. While he was Vice President, he also continued to serve as a Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central.
Guy Scott once shared an interesting story. When he met former U.S. President George W. Bush, President Bush was surprised to learn he was the Vice President of Zambia. It showed how unique his position was.
Serving as Acting President
When President Michael Sata passed away on October 28, 2014, Guy Scott became the acting president. He held this role for a short time, as the Zambian Constitution required a new election within 90 days. This made him the first leader of European descent in Africa since 1989.
Because of a rule in the Zambian Constitution, a presidential candidate's parents had to be Zambian by birth or descent. Since Guy Scott's parents were from Scotland and England, he could not run for president himself. This rule was originally put in place to prevent certain people from becoming president.
During his time as acting president, there were some political challenges. For example, he briefly removed Edgar Lungu from a party leadership role, but then brought him back after public protests. Some government officials also asked him to step down, but he refused.
In January 2015, a special election was held. Edgar Lungu won this election and became the new president of Zambia on January 25, 2015. Guy Scott then completed his time as acting president.
After His Presidency
After his time as acting president, Guy Scott left the Patriotic Front party. In 2019, he wrote a book called Adventures in Zambian Politics: A Story in Black and White. This book shared stories about Zambia's history and his own political life.
In March 2021, he joined another political party, the United Party for National Development. The party president, Hakainde Hichilema, made him a chief consultant and a member of a national committee.
Personal Life and Passing
Guy Scott married Charlotte Harland, a doctor from Britain, in 1994. They lived in Lusaka, Zambia. He faced health challenges, including Parkinson's disease.
Guy Scott passed away at his farm in Lusaka on July 15, 2026, after an illness. President Hakainde Hichilema announced that Guy Scott would receive a state funeral, which is a special ceremony to honor important national figures.
See also
In Spanish: Guy Scott para niños
