Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, who died on Monday after suffering a stroke, will best be remembered as a reputable leader who had no time for injustices and corruption.

Those who doubted his leadership qualities were proved wrong when, among other things, he cracked down on corrupt government officials, including former president Frederick Chiluba who is facing charges of theft involving millions.

Mwanawasa was also a human rights advocate, having been one of the few African leaders who fought injustices and was vocal in criticising President Robert Mugabe about the political crisis in Zimbabwe.

History will judge him a courageous African statesman.