FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba has described the death of Mama Betty Kaunda as shocking and heartbreaking.Dr Kaseba said the death is a great loss as the former First Lady was a source of inspiration not only to Zambians, but to the African continent as a whole.
She said in a telephone interview from Namibia, where she is attending an African conference on sexual health and rights, that the death of Mama Betty was received with utmost sadness by participants at the conference.
“When the death of Mama Betty was announced, everyone in the conference murmured with shock.Namibia’s President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who officially opened the conference, requested us to observe a minute of silence. It is sad that at a time when she (Betty) was learning to come out and be herself, she is no more. We pray that our father (Dr Kaunda) will find solace in God’s hands,” Dr Kaseba said.
She said it is sad that Mrs Kaunda, who was the mother of the nation, has died after celebrating her 66th wedding anniversary.
“The two (Dr Kaunda and Betty) were inseparable. She was our mother and so she will be missed dearly,” she said.Dr Kaseba appealed to Zambians to mourn Mama Betty with respect, love and dignity.She said Mama Betty was an icon of female emancipation, adding that she united the nation.
She said Zambians should bury their political differences and mourn her in unity.
“The Patriotic Front government has opened its doors to every Zambian and it is for this reason that for the first time in many years, we saw Mama Betty attending State functions.
“It is in this vein that I ask all Zambians to love one another and remain united,” she said.
And former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa said Mama Betty will be remembered for being part of the great history of Zambia.
“That is a fact and no one can take that away from her. We need to give her respect for her contribution to the country, by mourning her peacefully and respectfully. Her death should unite the country,” Mrs Mwanawasa said.
She said the death of Mama Betty is depressing, adding that this is the time for Zambians to unite.
“In the last four years, we have seen so many of our great leaders die and it is depressing.
“I have interacted with Mama Betty in the last few months and she looked bubbly but we cannot ask God why He had to take her away. We can only ask Him to give us grace and wisdom to handle the funeral properly,” she said.
Freedom fighter Mama Chibesa Kankasa said Mrs Kaunda will be remembered for inspiring women in the country.
“Betty was a strong woman. During hardships, she would sell charcoal to ensure that her children went to school,” she said.
Mama Kankasa said the former First Lady also encouraged her husband to work hard during his reign as republican President.
Non-Governmental Organisations Co-ordinating Council chairperson Beatrice Grillo said Mama Betty will be greatly missed for her role in the country’s liberation struggle.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
It is indeed a great loss :(
Very sad. We have lost a great woman, a mother, of Africa. A humble, kind, caring. supportive and a true example of what an African woman is. Mama Betty Mtinke Kaunda we salute you. Lets celebrate her life and hold on to the good memories we were blessed to have with her in our lives. You will be greatly missed by all. Go in peace and rest in enternal peace. We shall forever carry you on our spirits
Death indeed is very saddening. I feel for the old man. May God give KK the grace and strength.
MHSRIP.
May Your Soul Rest In Eternal Peace, till we meet again in the Kingdom of Jehovah the Almighty. sad moment
May God bless Mr KK during his bereavement.
Imwe bantu, death is indeed a bad Reaper. It Reaps where it did not sow. Rest In Peace Mama Betty. Batata ba KK, everyone is with you right now and please find solace in the hands of the Almighty God. Look at your children, grand children and great grand children. Comfort them all.
Rest in peace grandma.
Sad indeed its an exemplary lived life to esteem and celebrate MHSRIP. If anything here is the kind of integrity and role model Madam Grillo should emulate in NGOCC.
No problem, lesa e u giva noku geta e u geta. So big man KK just pick either VERA or Moreen Mwanawasa for a wife immediately, don’t waste time since u are also too old,enjoy yourself.
You are an ***** for having said that!
life: