First Lady Thandiwe Banda has honoured Betty, wife of the first republican President Kenneth Kaunda for her sacrifices and contributions for the country’s liberation struggle.
Mrs. Banda said Mama Betty relentlessly fought for the freedom that the country was enjoying but was rarely spoken about.
She said Mama Betty lived her life in serving other people and has undoubtedly proved to be a champion of change and advancement in the country.
The First Lady was speaking in Lusaka today at the launch of Generation Impact Foundation (GIF) ‘Virtuous Woman’ under the motto “I am Priceless”.
Mrs. Banda said the endless efforts by Mama Betty, who is also former First Lady, to see the country free were highly valued adding that the future generation would also be taught of the values Mama Betty has exhibited.
“It is because of this that we gather here today to confer the ‘Virtuous Woman Award 2010’ on our mother who stood to the very end and did us proud,” She said.
The First Lady urged other stakeholders to emulate this youth oriented non-profit making organization in honoring senior citizens and commended GIF for the initiative.
And First Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda commended Mama Betty for not giving up but instead supported him even when he was in prison.
Dr. Kaunda expressed his ever enduring love for Mama Betty and described her as a very strong woman.
The First Republican President also noted that God’s presence in the liberation struggle has made Zambia be where it is now.
Dr. Kaunda emphasised that as we say ‘One Zambia One Nation’ as a nation, we should always remember to love God with all our mind, heart and soul and have love for one another.
Speaking earlier, GIF Chief Executive Officer Panji Chipeta, noted that the backdrop of honoring fathers and mothers found it befitting for GIF to remember one of the great heroines, Mama Betty.
Mr. Chipeta observed that it is easy to see efforts of great men that fought for liberation of the country because most of what they did was documented.
“You can go to national archives today and retrieve photographs and literature of some of the efforts that went into this battle, what you may not find however, is how our mother Betty Kaunda contributed to this
struggle,” he noted.
Mr. Chipeta said like Virtuous Woman Solomon writes about in Proverbs 31, Mrs. Kaunda did her husband good by playing roles of both father and mother to her children while Dr. Kaunda was busy with national matters.
He observed that Mama Betty did not only take care of her family but also stretched her hands to those who were in need and literally lived her life for other people that some of these great men and women have turned out to be presidents in the Southern Region.
ZANIS
Thandiwe dont you think its more appropriate to honour Maureen Mwanawasa for working her husband to death, thus giving you a chance to be first lady?
what the hell is she wearing? A chinese table cloth?
tandiwe luks gud here
#1 Kamulya Kamuseka – Maureen Mwanawasa is dubious and should never be honored. When she was first lady, she promoted her personal agendas not those of the country.
#4 – I agree with you. Kenneth and Betty were the only worthy people to ever occupy State House.
Tandiwe, well done for honouring Betty. But your body language is poor, try to smile without showing your teeth as this indicates you are not confident. Try and get good stylist to dress you as the colours you were are not right. You are a beautiful lady so take note.
Imwe bantu what did first ladies do to deserve an awards? Do you win an award for being the wife of a hero? Nisangwapofye iyo. I never see these things happening where this democracy came from in the US or Europe.