Africa has its first white head of state since the horrors of apartheid after the death of the charismatic Zambian president dubbed 'King Cobra'. Vice president Guy Scott was named the country's acting leader today ahead of a presidential election in three months to formally replace Michael Sata, who died last night aged 77. Born in Zambia in 1944, Cambridge-educated Scott entered politics more than 20 years ago following in the footsteps of his father, a key critic of the country's former British colonisers. Scroll down for video Forthright: Zambian president Michael Sata (left), who has died aged 77, was dubbed 'King Cobra' for his venomous verbal barbs to his opponents. He has been replaced by his vice president Guy Scott (right)
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Guy Scott named as acting leader after death of president Michael Sata
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Father of eight Sata rose from being porter at London station in 1960s
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For 2011 election he drove 'Noah's Ark from poverty' speedboat trailer
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He earned nickname with venomous barbs directed at his enemies
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Supporters said he was a reformer who promised new wave of jobs
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He has died in London after not being seen in public since September
He got involved in politics and trade unions, and after a controversial arrest - which he claimed was linked to his battles for independence - he came to @placeholder in the 1960s.