First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has described his late wife as a great activist for Zambia’s Independence, a dear wife, friend, advisor and supporter.
Dr. Kaunda, in a message read on his behalf by family representative Pius Kasutu during a Church Service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, said the journey of life with Mama Betty was a fruitful one.
Dr. Kaunda recounted events of the past few weeks when he and his wife celebrated their 66th anniversary without knowing that the end of the lovely journey of their marriage vows was near.
“My dear girl, your departure has been unexpected. In fact, on the night of Tuesday September 18, 2012, the day before your passing, I was in Durban, South Africa receiving the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize,” he said.
He said, “There, I shared with others the song I sang for you during our courtship, the song of Pagna Moon. I told them that you had days earlier gone to Harare, Zimbabwe to visit our daughter Musata, son in law and our grandchildren,” he said.
“My girl Betty ours was a journey of Happiness and love,” said Dr. Kaunda.
[pullquote]“I recall the times when Betty, my girl could go and ask for food from the colonial masters when I was in prison, and my children running away when I came back home with long a beard, this was because they never knew me to be with them because they were always with the mother, Mayo kwaisa ichimuntu no mwefu uutali,” recounted Dr. Kaunda.[/pullquote]
He further described the death of Mama Betty as very unexpected.
Dr. Kaunda said working together during the struggle for independence was the most difficult time for the family as he had to leave her with the children for a long time amidst the challenges of providing for the family.
He further described his late wife as a freedom Fighter who led fellow women to strengthen the struggle despite the dangers that came along.
“I recall the times when Betty, my girl could go and ask for food from the colonial masters when I was in prison, and my children running away when I came back home with long a beard, this was because they never knew me to be with them because they were always with the mother, Mayo kwaisa ichimuntu no mwefu uutali,” recounted Dr. Kaunda.
Dr. Kaunda said Mama Betty’s involvement in the struggle was for the love of peace and justice.
“Betty never hated the colonial masters but she was against the injustice of the masters,” he explained.
He said despite not been in the lime light, Betty was always in the forefront of organizing women in support of harmony among families together with other first ladies.
Dr. Kaunda, however, attributed his marriage and success with his late wife to a partnership that came through Gods’ divine love.
Meanwhile, Daughter, Granddaughters and grandsons to the late Mama Betty have described Mama Betty as a pillar of hope trust and hard work who always had a heart for the people without segregation.
Daughter Masata Banda from Zimbabwe where Mama Betty went to visit and later died said it is such unforgettable moment as she hardly knew that her mother visited her for the last time.
Mrs. Banda said Mama Betty was a preacher of peace, Unity and love for all people.
She said Mama Betty never got tired to teacher her children, grand children and great grand children the better ways of life and the importance of justice and harmony among people.
The former first lady was born on November 17, 1928 in Chinsali and will today be put to rest at the Kaunda’s farm Estate near state lodge in Lusaka.
ZANIS
REST IN PEACE MAMA BETHY ,KK BE STRONG AND STRONG COZ ITS GOD’S WISHS.
RIP..the cameraman could have done a better job with the first picture.Such a momentous moment and you take such a lousy shot
The KK family is simply the best mwee, I mean if you recount and compare the acts of KK, his children & grandchildren could have been notorious. But usually we only read of the Kaunda children doing fairly good things. Even those in politics like Panji, Tilyenji they are not that boastful. Who could expect that they could even honor Ba Pius Kasutu to represent the family? Am humbled.
Mama Betty a lovely woman and mother, we love you and RIP
its amazing to hear our mothers contribution to the freedom we now enjoy. We remain grateful may hersoul rest in peace
I totally agree with you my dear. I think this family is very well mannered. No scandals, boasting or any such things..
Will some one tell us whether mama Betty had any brothers and sisters.LT poor reporting!!
Yes Bushdoctor! She had brothers and sisters, and half brothers and sisters. The Kaweche Banda family was/is a big family. Almost all of her siblings have passed on now but she has a lot of nieces and nephews from her brothers and sisters… So, she comes from a REALLY big family. I agree with you. The reporting could have been better. One who doesn’t know would think she didn’t have family…BUT she did. ;)
…End of an era, twalingana…
God bless you KK and family.. I miss my favourite RB…”Indeed was president for all Zambians”
God be with you KK and your family.
Bush doctor, Mama betty has a brother……miles banda
HAVING ATTENDED THE BURIAL OF MAMA BETTY KAUNDA AT KK STATE LODGE FARM YESTERDAY IWAS VERY HUMBLED BY THE K.K.FAMILY THE WAY THEY WELCOMED THE MOURNERS, COLD SOFT DRINKS AND ICE COLD WATER WAS SERVED TO ALL THE GUEST AS THE TEMPRATURES SOARED HIGHT BY THE LATE AFTERNOON. I PRAY TO ALL MIGHTY GOD THAT OUR BELOVED MAMA BETTY WILL REST IN PEACE IN HEAVEN AND MAY THE ALL MIGHTY GIVE OUR FATHER OF THE NATION K.K.A LONG HEAlLTHYLIFE .AAMEEN AND MAY GOD BLESS THE KAUNDA FAMILY MEMBERS WITH A A LOT OF COURAGE DURING THIS HARD TIME.AAMEEN.
“Mayo kwaisa ichimuntu no mwefu uutali” Kanshi bakaponya kale bayamba…lol.Rest in peace mama KK.
RIP Mama Betty. To those saying KK children never were involved in scandals Check One Kambarange, the son to KK. He shot dead a person and that case was interfered with. so check history.
what a storied life. May your soul rest among the angels.
Rest in Peace Banakulu Mundaulu.
MHSRIP
#14,family scandals are measured by the # of family members involved in those scandals,in short out of KK s family of 100 members,brothers,sisters,children,grandchildren,greatgrand children,nephews,nieces,cousins.only 1 incidence of kambarage with the late mrs mwanza is known from the KK CLAN which in terms of % is 0.05% which is are very good record for the former first family.all this translate on how MAMA BETTY GUIDED THE FAMILY ON STANDARD OF NORMS IN OUR SOCIETY.MHSRIP.may the good LORD continue to guide the first first family of our great peacefull nation of zambia.my condelences to all zambians for the loss of our GREAT MOTHER.
MHSRIP , LATEST NEWS IS THAT KK WILL MARRY TWO WOMEN VERA AND MAUREEN SOON
Wil miss you Ba Mbuya
number 18 Malinso, You are talking rubbish,how can you make such a stupid comment on our beloved father of the nation who has just lost his long life beloved partner Mama Betty. Your comment is so disgusting and is no joke. you are an stupid ***** with no brains.go to chinama and your stupid brain treated you silly fool.if u got nothing to blog just stay away and shut your dirty mouth
Malikopo…. number 18 is on the same with you. he attacking 14….
Malikopo…. #18 is on the same side with you. he is attacking #14….
RIP untill we meet
MHSRIP. Poor Super Ken. Not many people get to celebrate 66 years of marriage together, and in this new era of zambia not many will. Thanks for being a shining example, Great Father and Mother of Zambia. Journey well, mama betty.