It is with deep regret and sadness that we report the death of former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa on 13th August 2024.
The nation is mourning the loss of former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, who passed away today at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka. Mrs. Mwanawasa was the wife of the late President Levy Mwanawasa and served as First Lady from 2002 until her husband’s passing in 2008.
President Hichilema said “It is with deep shock and sorrow that we have learnt of the passing of the former first lady, Mrs Maureen Kakubo Mwanawasa.We call on the country to unite as we join her family, and indeed the nation, in prayer.
May her soul rest in eternal peace. ”
Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba, President of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), expressed his deep sorrow at the news, offering heartfelt condolences to the Mwanawasa and Kakubo families. “My heart goes out to the entire Mwanawasa family during this difficult time. May God comfort, strengthen, and keep us united in this bereavement,” Dr. Mumba said in a statement.
He praised Mrs. Mwanawasa’s legacy, noting her dedication, kindness, and compassion, which left a lasting impact on the nation. “May her legacy of hard work, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our nation continue to inspire us,” Dr. Mumba added.
On behalf of the MMD and in his personal capacity, Dr. Mumba expressed profound sadness over her passing, stating, “Rest in peace, Mrs. Mwanawasa. You will be deeply missed.”
As the country reflects on her contributions, Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa is remembered for her role in advocating for social causes and her unwavering commitment to Zambia’s development.
Maureen Kakubo Mwanawasa was born on 28 April 1963 in Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia, to Jeniya Lupumpaula Chilunga Kakabo and Lupumpaula Buluwayo Kakubo. She was the eighth of ten children in a family of six boys and four girls.
Her educational journey began in 1970 at Raphael Kombe Primary School in Chimanimani Township, Kabwe. In 1976, she moved to St Mary’s Secondary School in Maramba, Livingstone, where she graduated in 1981.
Maureen met Levy Mwanawasa in Kabwe and they were married on 7 May 1987. The couple have four children: three daughters and a son.
During the 2001 presidential election, Maureen actively campaigned alongside her husband, who won the election on 27 December 2001 and was inaugurated on 2 January 2002.
In 2006 she was considered a potential presidential candidate, but after her husband’s death she did not seek to represent his party in the election. In particular, she clashed with Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front at her husband’s funeral, resulting in Sata being removed from the premises.
Maureen Mwanawasa was a former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS and founded the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI) in 2002. She also co-owned Mwanawasa & Company, her husband’s law firm, until he entered politics. In 2006, she was honoured with World Vision’s International Hope Award.
Originally a Jehovah’s Witness, she was excommunicated in 2001 for her political activities and later became a Baptist Christian.
In May 2016, Maureen announced her candidacy for the position of executive mayor of Lusaka under the United Party for National Development (UPND).
She received endorsements from prominent figures and promised to address the city’s problems, including cholera outbreaks, water shortages and garbage issues. Despite her efforts, she came second in the Lusaka mayoral election on 11 August 2016, losing to Patriotic Front candidate Wilson Kalumba.
Maureen Mwanawasa’s contributions and dedication to her community and country will be remembered with great respect.
The nation mourns the loss of a respected leader and cherished figure.
“Originally a Jehovah’s Witness, she was excommunicated in 2001 for her political activities” These Witnesses. I know of one American President who was a Jehova’s witness and he was excommunicated.
*I know of one American President who was a Jehova’s witness and he was NOT excommunicated.
@Mwango Can’t you just pass your condolences? As we Pray for the Mwanawasa Family. MHSRIEP.
Gentle man, if you want to mourn just mourn instead of bringing something that has nothing to do with the subject. Religion is like food… you choose what you want to eat and others also choose what they want to eat.
Who is that? Don’t tell tall tales.
MHSRIP!
Let’s hope the SADC summit will honour the Mwanawasa family by sorting out the ZANU-PF “MESS” which is spreading across the region like a bush fire.
Meanwhile, the summit has brought untold misery among citizens. Mnangagwa’s insecurity is unbelievable, his moving with 100 bodyguards. Political opponents, student activists, labor organizers, and community leaders are being
terrorised day and night. This defeats the purpose of SADC, which is achieving economic development, peace and security, and growth, alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the peoples of Southern Africa.
Watch YouTube;
MNANGAGWA’S PLOY TO TOPPLE HICHILEMA IN ZAMBIA EXPOSED
@Prince nabambi who are masquerading as editors/censors on this forum: some of you are dictators to the bone. You even want to dictate the agenda on LT posts like you are doing the lineup for DeadNBC. Start your own blog where you can censor Sishuwa, Kapya etc
It’s a free country and I’m free to say what I want as long as it isn’t defamatory. In fact what I have raised is in the story- I’m not offramping. Zimbabwe isn’t in the story but it’s being discussed right here and you’re numb. Mwebantu Hypocrisy!
@Lusaka Lady, Dwight Eisenhower who died in 1969 was a Jehova’s Witness.
True: other notable Jehova’s witnesses who have unsettled this church include Michael Jackson the King of pop, George Benson R & B master actor Don Glover, Venus and Serena didnt make JW uncomfortable
Correction, the Witnesses strongly oppose being called a “church” They worship in kingdom halls not in churches.
Very, very sad news. RIP ma’am!
May her Soul Rest in Peace….
RIP mama; no more financial issues.
Lusaka times you always wait for 4 days to publish breaking news…..what happened…am surprised because normally your site has old news
Your earthly journey has sadly run its full course , R.I.P former 1st lady .
A great lady. RIP her soul.
Lord teach us to number our days,Rest in peace madam.
Sincere condolences to the family. MHSRIP
Oh Lord! Why is it that good people leave so early! Oh yes, she was a good national woman. May Her Saul Rest in Peace.
Condolences,icon.I recall well meeting you in a proffessional circle and despite the arguments being hot on both sides.Your humility and sense of humour was so amazing.RIP.
My condolences to the family both sides.may God comfort the family and the country at large.her sour rest in peace.
I am so sorry and sadness l pray for the family comfort RIP
My sincere condolences to the former first lady RIP madam.
I’m deeply saddened. My heart felt Condolences to the Mwanawasa Family. MHSRIP.
Rest in peace madam mwanawasa.
Sincere condolences to the family. May God almighty the Lord of all comfort comfort the family.
What a sad news! May our Lord and Saviour preserve her soul, strengthen the bereaved family, friends and the nation. We will remember your lovely comments and contributions you made to this country. A legacy you have left behind, and many of us will appreciate your services, especially in advocating for human rights and fair judgments. God bless!
She went through numerous accusations recently since her husband died, but I did not think she would be accused of dying. The only time anyone really rests from anything is when they are dead. MHSRIEP.
Deepest heart felt condolences to the beareved family, what can we say, because where there is life there’s is always death.go well our mother
Rest in eternal peace aunt and mother, till we meet again to the other side of this world. MHSRIEP-Amen
condolences to the family, you ran your race mama, go well and rest peacefully
Condolences to family. May Her Soul Rest In Peace.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE
She4 encouraged her husband to appoint only her “bululus” to influential positions, hence the term “Family Forest”..Just saying!
All presidents are like that. Its only Lungu who didn’t
Sad news, MHSRIP! Condolences to the family and friends. Was Was the cause of death was she ill?
My condolences to the Mwanawasa and Kakubo families.