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Mama Betty Kaunda dies

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Dr Kenneth Kaunda with his wife Betty
Dr Kenneth Kaunda with his wife Betty

Zambia’s first former First Lady Mama Betty Kaunda has died.

Mrs. Kaunda, 84, died in the early hours of today in neighbouring Zimbabwean capital Harare where she is reported to have been visiting her daughter.

ZANIS reports that her son Panji confirmed the death in an interview in Mpika today.

Colonel Kaunda, who is also Transport, Works, Supply and Communications deputy Minister, described the death of her mother as a loss to both the family and the country as a whole.

He said Mama Betty Kaunda has been battling with diabetes for the last 60 years.

Col. Kaunda said the family has been robbed of a mother was its pillar in all circumstances.

He recalled that during the liberation struggle Mama Betty was always with the family as his father, Zambia’s first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was most of the time in and out of prisons.

Col. Kaunda said Mama Betty’s death should be celebrated by every Zambian because of her contribution during the liberation struggle.

He said Mama Betty was a perfect model of a First Lady and should be remembered as a mother.

Mama Betty Kaunda has left behind 7 children and a number of grand and great grand children.

Dr. Kaunda and other family members have since left for Zimbabwe to collect the body of the late former First Lady.

Mama Betty Kaunda was born on November, 17, 1928 at Mpika to Kaweche Banda and Milika Sakala Banda.

She went to school at Mbereshi Girls and also did training at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation’s Women’s programme and worked as a teacher in Mufulira.

Kenneth Kaunda the first President of Zambia married married Betty Banda in 1946.Mama Betty, was Zambia’s first lady from October 1964 to November 1991

She preferred to contribute quietly, mostly behind the scenes, to greatly support her family and nation and had been matron of many organisations and projects. She was considered the mother of the nation.

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

176 COMMENTS

  4. MHSRIP very sad.She was the real mother of the nation. The best first lady we have ever had.I remember watching her on our black and white TV always quietly beside her husband.Never one to be galavanting all over saying this and that, she was just quietly besides her husband always.We shall miss you.

    • Politics already? What is political about the death of our dear mother? What political milage are you talking about? I am simply shocked by this remark – whoever you are!

  16. Mama Rest in peace, You have lived your great life, leaving a great example for Young women to follow. My condolences to Kenneth for the loss.

  17. But Ukwa (Sata) must learn to tame his tongue. He came out strongly dressing down the organisers of the anniversal of the cathedral of the Holy Cross for not inviting Kaunda and Wife, and for not inviting him and the ‘Kamwendo munjila’ kaseba. swearing that they were jelous. Kanshi ba mayo was recuperating at the daugter’s residence in Zim. He cant have all that inteligency information honestly. That man must be a wizard. MHSRIP. Our thoughts and prayers go to ba mudala and family. Super Ken let us see if you will jog as you did at Nakatindi Wina ‘ s funeral.

  19. She was the true valu of a first lady: quite, unassuming and hard background work not these fontiny bling bling theves we are presented with these days.

  23. All future First Ladies of Zambia must take a leaf from the humility of this woman. She never tried to hog the limelight and act as if she was a government official. She knew her place in society and carried herself with great dignity.
    MHSRIP

    • times have changed. the first lady cannot be staying at home just enjoying tax payers money. I don’t see anything wrong with first ladies helping people. of course dunderheads do

  27. ONLY REMEMBERED, ONLY REMEMBERED BY WHAT WE HAVE DONE, THUS SHOULD WE PASS FROM THE EARTH AND ITS TOILING, ONLY REMEMBERED BY WHAT WE HAVE DONE.
    MAMA BETTY WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATION, THE FIRST EVER FIRST LADY WHO TOILED BEHIND HER HUSBAND AND SAW ZAMBIA GET INDEPENDENT. MHSRIP

    • Just as the stars disappear in the morning fading away from the light of the sky shall you depart from the earth and its toiling only remembered by what you have done….

  29. May her soul rest in peace. We need a holiday on her burial and hope she is going to Embassy park with 2weeks national morning. The Kaundas God’s mercy and favour during this trying moment. amen

  35. If fact Betty Kaunda had one of her uncles a full Tonga from the plateau not half Tongas from the valley. So she had Tonga blood as well. I feel sad. MHSRIP!

  36. @ Didier Zokora, honestly you cannot even read the mood of the nation regarding this very sad happening and you want to turn it into some kind of senseless debate. How tragic!! Mama Betty will be missed by many. May God Almighty comfort the Kaunda family and the great nation of Zambia on this loss.

  37. iwe chikala Didier Zokora why are bring in H.E Mr M.C. Sata . This is not a political issue but a funeral which should unite us all Zambia.

  39. May her soul rest in eternal peace and hope and pray that the Almight God will strengthen comrade KK, the family and the entire nation during this trying period!!

    I also request that in her honour, politicians cease fire on insults and bad languiage and those visiting markets to familiarise themselves with fishermen cut shot their tours to ensure nothing raises tencion in the country until we put her to rrest in a dignified manner!!

  41. @Mwinilunga Bull you must be a nut. Why concern yourself with my comment? You must be a dog with limited reasoning. Chimbwi no plan

    • Ba Dedier Zokora, God deliver you from that small mind and heart at this time when we are mourning you the gats to insult some.Shame on you. your comment didn’t sence that why mr mwinilunga had to rebuke you.We are mourning it seems you’re happy.

  47. She was a jewel of Zambia. She supported KK in his struggles to free us from bondage, leading to us getting educated and lead decent lives as Zambians where-ever we are. She was gracious and 100% supportive for a better Zambia working behind the scenes by offering the backbone that KK needed so as to be focused on his political challenges. I am sad, and regret that she has passed away. MHSRIP. Mama, you were an angel to all of us.

  55. We celebrate your life mama Betty. At least you lived your full life, 84 years against the life expetctancy og 51. Its the blessing of being good, that people spoke of you that kept you moving. Rest in peace as we celebrate your life

  56. Ndipo chaipa! May God comfort the old man KK and all their family. This will be a very lonely life for KK, but with God’s help and the love and care of the family, he will do fine.

  57. This was an ICON and Great MAMA to Zambia who always smiled and had a contegious lughter about her which still lingers in my mind. Given the chance any Man would be proud to have her as a spouse in good and bad times she stuck to Super Ken. Bless your dear soul Mama we shall miss you..

  58. Rest in Peace Mama Betty Kaunda.You were always been a good symbol of a woman.Let the Good Lord receive you with those Great Open arms of his.Condolences to the K.K and the nation at large.

  63. For real she is one in a million ,supporting super Ken threw the struggle “Behind every successiful man there is a woman “One Zambia one nation MHSRIP

  67. SAD INDEED, DR KAUNDA CONTINUE BEING STRONG NOT EASY THOUGH TO LOSE A SPOUSE IN DEATH. MAY JEHOVA GOD GUIDE YOU IN THIS MOST TRYING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE.

  70. MHSRIP. Most women of Zambia especially those in leadership must reflect on good values of this woman and be mothers of our nation. They must respect and support their husbands those without husbands must also be humble. I expect all politicians to come together to maurn our mother and not not mobilise cadres to start misbehaving in a time like this.

  72. @17 didier zokoro , u an imbecile just like the scumbag who came up with that name ukwa. Cant you for once sober up rather than bring up cow dung all the time.

  74. rest in eternal peace mother of the nation.may God grant the strength to the old man and the entire family during this trying moments

  75. Rest in eternal peace as you rest in Gods gentle embrace. You truly were the mother to this nation. You will be  missed and dearly remembered. MYSRIEP.

  80. This is the woman who spent 27 humble years as first lady! Spent lonely years when KK was busy fighting for the struggle and running away from colonial forces!

  82. she was realy our mother of the nation, humble and one couldn’t imagigine wether she was around or not. we ask the Almight God to stand in for the KK Family and mother Zambia during this trying moment. MHSRIP

  83. Rest in perfect peace dear mama. You were indeed the Mother of the Nation. The whole Nation will miss and dearly remember you not only the Kaunda family. We have lost a mother!

  84. Bana Panji, we thank God for your life, when KK and other freedom fighters believed in liberating Zambia, you stood by him and his fellow political activists, until it was Kwacha Ngwee!

    Even after independence, you assumed a motherly role and moved with the rhythm of the nation. We shall definitely miss your humility and your big heart. My hearty condolences to the Kaunda family. MHSRIP.

  88. Didier zokoro you have a corrupt mind and a heart that harden like stone, we are mourning the first Zambian first lady and busy passing evil comments, you should change thats not good to extent of insulting someone who rebuked you of your invalid comment.Ha shame ba bro.

  89. Mama Betty may your soul rest in peace.You were always there for kk in good and bad times until now that you have gone to be with the lord.Rest in peace

  92. I had never seen her before but heard about her

    I can see why she is getting so much respect, I suppose she deserves it

    Kaundas, Please accept my deepest condolences your family’s loss. May her memory be eternal With deepest sympathy

    Thanks

    Mushota Chimfwembe

    • Mushota! why do you normally comes out foolishly on most issues. i bet you must have had a troubled childhood who seems to have seem the glamour of the dispora and start thinking as though you are on top of the world. learn to post rational comments as you usually exposes your family poverty background.

    • @Henry, leave Mushota alone for once. She has posted her condolences just like everybody else. This is not the time to dwell on what you feel is her stupidity. Grow up man and lets mourn our founding mother with respect.

  97. We r deeply heart broken by the great lose of our National Zambian mother.God be with the family in this trying moment.RIP

  104. A wonderful soul now safe in the hands of god.may her soul rest in eternal peace.heartfelt. Condolences. To the entire family.

  105. RIP granddaughter of a full Tongas. Nevertheless, come 2021 Southern will soon also soon produce a Zambian first lady in the name of Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema. MHSRIP

  110. She was the defination of quiet grace and a dedicated daughter of our republic.We loved you Betty but God loved you more.Fare thee well.

  113. MHSRIP..she contributed in privacy and not tu ma first or is it fifth lady twa these days! attacking political opponents side by side with husband.

  118. Vera, Maurreen, Thandiwe and Christine …….pls do something to honor the first first First lady of Zambia…unite for once!

  120. MHSRIP ; May this period of mourning bring tranquility and peace to our nation. This icon of freedom should be mourned by reconciling brother with brother, mother with daughter, tribe with kindred and society with the nation. Hamba Katshe; zamaye hande umshemi waluna!!

  121. Ati shani ba Tripoli? Mwa lipwa umwenso imwe bene ka! Thank you so much for that. But next time watch out. I know you personally.

  125. @Tony Blair you seem to be haunted by troubled childhood. I never bought beer for dad the night before your conception. You behave like someone who was conceived during the day and in the bush for that matter. Imbila ya mushi ………, why you bush baby?

  128. Ma Journalist yamu Zambia shuwa! Zambia’s first former First Lady …What is this? Another sentence: Colonel Kaunda, who is also Transport, Works, Supply and Communications deputy Minister, described the death of her mother as a loss.. Last time I checked Colonel Kaunda was still a man. Another sentence: Col. Kaunda said Mama Betty’s death should be celebrated by every Zambian… How do you celebrate a death?

  132. I know close a friend named Betty after late Mama Kaunda because she was born on 24th Oct 1964! How thotful and nobel that her parents blessed her with such a name and was not done on tribal lines as my friend is Chibemba.
    L!!
    Its a time to mourn for the Nation’s first lady who was dignified and beautiful na ulemu nganko! May KK & his family find solace in Kabumba we su.

  135. MY CONDOLENCES GO TO THE ENTIRE KAUNDA AND BETTY FAMILY. MAY OUR FORMER PRESIDENT AND FOUNDING FATHER BE STRONG IN THE ABSENCE OF HIS BELOVED WIFE. WE ARE WITH YOU KK.

    1

  136. MYSRIP MAMA BETTY OUR WOMEN.YOUR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE STRUGGLE FOR ZAMBIAIN FREEDOM WILL REMAIN AS YOUR LEGACY. MAY GOD ALMIGHTY GIVE COMFORT TO THE FAMILY OF SUPER KEN.

  140. Prayers for the Kaunda family. This is a Time for them and us all to Mourn and rejoice, for God said it is better to die than to live. Thank you Jesus for these our galant freedom fighters.

  143. SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE KAUNDA FAMILY ON THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF OUR GREAT MOTHER.MAMA BETTY KAUNDA PLAYED A GIGANTIC ROLE CONSOLIDATING MORALE TO KK AND OTHER FREEDOM FIGHTERS LEADING TO THE BIRTH OF ZAMBIA. MY PRAYER IS TO ASK GOD TO PROVIDE STRENGTH AND CONFORT IN THE HEARTS OF DR. KAUNDA, HIS SONS, DAUGHTERS AND GRAND CHILDREN. A DARK CLOUD IS HOVERING OVER ZAMBIA WHEN THE COUNTRY’S PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING A BIG NATIONAL LOSS. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.

  145. An angel lies in mortal peace. The pillar of our nation has left us. All of zambia can never thank mama Betty enough. The heavens shall now have the blessing of your presence. Oh mama Betty we owe a great deal of our freedom to your strength, wisdom and guidance. May you blessed soul rest in peace. We all love you! Betty Kaunda “Mother of Africa”!

  146. May Your Soul Rest In Eternal Peace mum for you were truly the mother of our beloved country Zambia. To our founding father Dr Kenneth David Kaunda and the entire family, we mourn with you and are with you in prayer. May the Almighty Jehovah God grant you a sense of understanding as you struggle to copy with the lose of one of the most benevolent human beings our country has produced. We have lost a true and great patriot. Foes and Allies, please lets give respect and mourn our beloved mother with dignity, for there will still be time for the never ending mud slinging. RIP MUM.

  148. Wow! I am touched by how you beautiful people can mourn. let’s remember too that crossing into the 90’s is full of pains due to old age. MHSRIP

  152. zokora little brat with a deep stinking brain that is washed into believing insulting everybody and not reading the moody of the situation is the way to breath on earth.

  157. MHSRIP. Countrymen & women,its time we learn to reason together more especially on such events. Why politicizing and insulting someone even wen we’re mourning? God will judge u by every word that proceedeth frm u.

  160. Rest in peace Mama Betty. You indeed inspired many as mother of the nation. Your humility was beyond measure. You are greatly missed.

  161. May Her Soul Rest In Eternal and Perfect Peace in the loving arms of our Lord and personal Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was one of a kind. Truly a mother to all; and a fitting example of how a First Lady should carry herself!….above politics. I may be mistaken; but I never heard her, for once, conduct political campaigns for KK; even in the heat of “The Hour Has Come”.
    Fare Thee Well, Mama Betty!

  163. My condolences to the Kaunda family for the death of our mother,the Mother of the Nation, Mama Betty Kaunda.We’ll dearly miss her.May Her Beautiful Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

  164.  Mama Zambia,
    You can truly and proudly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
    We shall always remember the singing President and his lovely wife!
    May your soul rest in eternal peace.

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