Zambia, Africa & MCR mourn first lady

By Godfrey Olukya 20-9-2012

Zambia is mourning the death of the wife of the first president of Zambia, Dr Keneth Kawunda.

Betty Kawunda, 83 passed on yesterday while in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare.

‘We have lost a mother of the nation.’ lamented a primary teacher, Stella Mbunda. ‘She has been an inspiring lady who loved every Zambian. May God rest her in peace.’  she added.

Her son, Kaweche said, ‘I have lost a loving mother. This is very sad and we pray that God gives our dad and the rest of the family strength during this clearly trying time.’

At the time of her death Dr Kaunda was in Johannesburg,  South Africa, receiving an award.
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Kawache said that their mother could have died from heart failure. He said, ‘Our dear mother passed away yesterday in Harare in the early hours of the morning. The cause of death has not yet been officially established but we suspect heart failure made worse by years of diabetes plus old age. She could not wake up when her assistant tried to wake her up in the morning.’

She is survived by her husband, eight children, 22 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema said, ‘The nation is in mourning over the demise of Zambia’s first First Lady. We commend her for her various contributions to the nation. We wish the Kaunda and Banda families strength and comfort in this trying moment and we mourn her.’

The leader of Zambians for Empowerment and Development, Fred Mtesa said ‘ She heroically stood by Dr Kaunda and sacrificed lot for Zambia’s independence. She was a pillar of strength and encouragement to Dr Kaunda as he discharged his responsibilities.’

Arrangements for the state burial are yet to be announced by government which is likely to make burial day a public holiday.

Kaunda has so far been replaced by two other presidents.
END