FDD President Hon. Edith Zewelani Nawakwi Dies at 66
LUSAKA – Zambia is today mourning the passing of one of its most distinguished political figures and trailblazers in public service. Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) President, Hon. Edith Zewelani Nawakwi, has died at the age of 66.
Ms. Nawakwi passed away in the early hours of this morning at approximately 02:00hrs while receiving medical care at Coptic Hospital in Lusaka. Her death follows a prolonged illness for which she had been undergoing specialist treatment, including multiple trips to India over the past two years. Arrangements had been underway to evacuate her for further medical attention abroad, but her condition deteriorated in recent weeks, leading to her hospitalization.
A trained economist and one of Zambia’s most prominent female leaders, Hon. Nawakwi made history in 1998 when she was appointed as the country’s first female Minister of Finance. Her appointment also marked a regional milestone, as she became the first woman to serve in that role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Her political journey began in the early 1990s when she emerged as a key figure in the movement that led to the re-introduction of multi-party democracy in Zambia. Throughout her distinguished career, she served in various ministerial portfolios and was a relentless advocate for economic reform, social justice, and democratic governance.
As President of the FDD, a party she helped to establish, Ms. Nawakwi remained an active voice in national affairs. She ran for the office of President of the Republic of Zambia in the 2016 general elections, making her one of the few female candidates to have contested the highest office in the land.
In recent months, Ms. Nawakwi had been facing legal proceedings in relation to two counts of seditious practices. However, her deteriorating health had prevented her from attending court. Her legal counsel, State Counsel Chifumu Banda, informed the Lusaka Magistrate Court that she was medically unfit to participate in proceedings, prompting multiple adjournments.
Despite the legal matters, Ms. Nawakwi’s legacy as a pioneering female leader, economist, and fearless politician remains firmly intact. She leaves behind a record of courage, intellect, and unwavering dedication to public service.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Terrible
Very sad news MHSRIP
So sad. The country has lost a galant leader. MHSRIEP
Thanks for the awesome sight
Thank you
Zambian female legend!!! MHSRIP
My condolences.
So sad indeed, MHSRIP.
Could have spent your time with the family not in politics.
Rip Hon. Edith Zeweleni Nawakwi. Mother Zambia will never forget you
How the tune suddenly changes
Indeed sad for her family
She went through a lot. Lord let her rest in peace. Go well fighter.
She looked unwell for a very long time…May the Almighty Allah grant her Jannah….Rest in Peace my beautiful sister
May her soul RIP
May her soul rest in peace
@Tikki
Imagine…that is why it is very important to respect fellow human beings whilst they’re still alive and help whenever its necessary….when she said she was not feeling well some evil lunatics started mocking her and even suggested taking her court proceedings to her house…..WE ARE INDEED A SICK SOCIETY…
Rest in Peace my beautiful sister till we meet again
And the same people will declare the farce called national mourning.
My point is GIVE IN LIFE but most want to give in death when it’s meaningless to me anyway
A symbol of a true champion and heroine of our great country. Go well mama
So sad.
So sad, MHSRI
Very sad news. MHSRP.
Edith Nawakwi, reportedly had a secret meeting with Kafue Consortium officials during the ZCM privatization process (remember she was Finance Minister circa 1998) and a team from government at Lilayi Lodge without the knowledge of the National Privatization Team (NPT) headed by late Francis Kaunda who were out of the country. At least I will remember for that!
Sad news m.h.s.r.p.
Edith Nawakwi dead @66yrs,Anderson Mazoka gone @68yrs,Mwanawasa gone @59yrs,Fredrick Chiluba gone @68yrs,Christon Tembo gone@64yrs ….sad to see a pattern repeating again and again.
Ok ,do we have a politician curse in Zambia once you hit your 60s? So that’s what you’re insinuating here?
So young indeed. I was listening to 100 year old Jimmy Carter when he mourned his nonagenarian wife and it crossed my mind how our health systems in Africa can’t support anyone just after 50. Show me a hospital in Zambia that exclusively caters for elderly patients. At least we have a childrens hospital in Ndola.
And why has India become the destination for our over 50 patients? For a successful health policy we need to work on providing good health services for senior citizens as we have attempted to do for the under 5 little ones. UPND, any health solutions on the table?
Imagine! India with all those suffering millions has better medical facilities than Zambia! Kwati bufi
Remembering you is easy
Sad, RIP madam Nawakwi!
Sad development madam nawakwi!!!
RIP
Sad to hear this news .According to the latest UN life expectancy list Nawakwi had reached her full average age for Zambians at age 66yrs.
Fake news,she died in SA