Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia -BETUZ- General Secretary Jeffrey Simuntala has died.

Mr. Simuntala 54 died in the early hours of today at the University Teaching Hospital after an illness.

His Cousin, Kabali Mwenya has confirmed the death to ZNBC News at the Funeral House in Lusaka.

Mr. Mwenya said the funeral arrangement will be availed to the public later.

And Professional Teachers Union of Zambia Secretary General Musenge Kangwa said the death has come as a shock to the Labour movement.

Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission Deputy Chairperson Hillary Chipango said the death of Mr. SIMUNTALA is a huge loss and has left a huge gap in the Labour movement.

And NUPPEZ Executive President Victor Muyumba said Mr. SIMUNTALA was a God-fearing man and that the death is devastating.

Meanwhile, United Church of Zambia Men Christian Fellowship Member, Nazarius Phiri who represented the Church, said Mr. SIMUNTALA is one of the founder members of the UCZ Emmasdale Congregation.

And Zambia National Union of Teachers -ZNUT- Spokesperson Joe Kasaka said the Labour movement is devastated by the death of Mr. Simuntala who was an active member.

Forum for Democracy and Development -FDD- Chairperson for Labor, Employment and Social Development Yotam Mtayachalo said Mr. Simuntala’s death is a blow not only to his family but the entire Labour movement in Zambia.

Mr. Mtayachalo said Mr. Simuntala will be remembered as a dedicated and hardworking Labour leader who was committed to improving the working conditions in the education sector.

The funeral is being held at House number 1466, off Vubu Road Emmasdale in Lusaka.