President Michael Sata has learnt with deep shock and grief, the passing on of the founding mother of the nation Mama Betty Kaunda, wife of first Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
In his message of condolences to the Kaunda family, President Sata said the late Mama Betty 84, was a pillar of the heart of Zambia’s emancipation.
This is in a press statement released to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, George Chella.
Mr Sata said that as a pillar of strength for Dr Kaunda and as a leader among men and women during the struggle for independence, Mama Betty Kaunda contributed immensely towards the liberation of Zambia and the Southern African region as a whole.
The head of state described Mama Betty Kaunda as a symbol of Zambia’s pride and decency as the former first lady lived an exemplary life of hard work, sacrifice, dignity and love for the country and its people.
He said that Mama Betty Kaunda leaves a legacy and example of strong family values and unity as she represented dignity of a Zambian mother and will be remembered forever for her exceptional attributes.
President Sata prayed that the Kaunda family takes comfort and solace in the understanding that the entire nation’s thoughts and prayers are with them during this devastating and excruciating period
And The Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) says it is deeply saddened with the passing of former First Lady Mama Betty Kaunda.
MMD President Nevers Mumba said his party has learnt of the passing of Mama Betty Kaunda with deep sadness.
Dr Mumba said God was gracious to the Kaunda family and the Zambian people to have given them one of the most gracious and respectable First Ladies that any nation could have ever asked for.
The MMD leader said in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today that it is the MMD’s prayer for God’s peace and comfort for the Kaunda family during this very difficult time.
“On behalf of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), my wife Florence and on my own behalf, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to first President Dr Kenneth Kaunda and the entire Kaunda family, “he said.
He said the former ruling party stands with the Kaunda family and mourns with them.
Also the United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota wished Dr Kaunda and his family God’s guidance and peace during this difficult time of mourning.
“She was always on hand to provide assistance and refuge to any freedom fighters who where pursued by the colonialists and their local collaborators. Mama Betty should be mourned as the Mother of the Nation,” Mr Sikota said
He said in a statement yesterday that ULP recognised the immense efforts Mama Betty involved herself in the struggle for Zambia’s independence.
He said, during her time as First Lady, Mama Betty was never controversial and was always in the back ground appearing at public functions only when it was extremely necessary.
“We recall that as First Lady Mama Betty Kaunda never behaved as though she held a government position. Her conduct was exemplary and at no time did she bring any disrepute to the institution of First Lady,” Mr Sikota said
He urged other First Ladies who would occupy State House to take a leaf from Mama Betty by conducting themselves in a manner that befitted the institution of First Lady of the republic of Zambia.
And The women movement in the country has learnt with deep sorrow, the death of Zambia’s former First Lady Betty Kaunda.
Women for Change Executive Director, Emily Sikazwe has described Mama Kaunda as a resilient, hard working and courageous woman who will be deeply missed not only by the former first family but the entire nation.
Ms. Sikazwe has since called on all political players in the country to, during this trying period for the KK family, put aside their political differences and instead mourn the late Mrs. Kaunda with dignity and honour.
And Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Chairperson Beatrice Grillo said the demise of the former first lady will leave a huge gap among women despite her preference of maintaining a low profile in governance issues.
Ms. Grillo said the country has more to learn from Mama Kaunda as she was a humble woman who championed peace and unity in the nation not only during the liberation struggle but did so till her death.
Meanwhile, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Executive Director, Patricia Ndlovu said Betty Kaunda was an inspiration to her association and women as a whole as she placed great importance towards family life.
Ms. Ndlovu urged the KK family to remain strong and urged the nation to stand by the Kaunda family and console them during this trying period.
Mama Betty Kaunda was born on November 17, 1928 and passed away last evening in Zimbabwe where she was visiting her daughter.
ZANIS
Oh gosh – rest in peace
usually pipo who loved one another go together – we keep praying
Iwe mfwiti
No 2 do not start raising wild imagination ad I want to Eileen tat u are just guessing!, our beloved KK is strong and healthy! God will see him celebrate many more happy returns.
#2 What do you mean?Thats bad wish.
MHSRIEP!!!
KK what an examplary family,we mourn together….may all first ladies take a leaf from you.I remember in 1979 at the CHOGM meeting in Lusaka which ushered the cessation of hostilities in the then Rhodesia,you kept us well Zambia.
But why is Kaweche Kaunda holding a huge mirror in front of him. Ndiye unfwiti mwana mungo’no uyu.
check your eyes.that’s a picture frame of his Mom
Baba, you need to go to Specsavers! RIP Madam Betty. :(
Muli bapuba imwe naimwe.Even if you can’t see clearly, anybody can guess that must be another picture of her in that frame. Sheesh!
Rest in peace Mama.
Model of a first lady. Cultured woman of Eastern Province. Travel well Mama Betty
WHY IS SATA ALWAYS SPEAKING THROUGH CHELLA
Because chella is sataz voice mail
HOWEVER REST IN PEACE MAMA.
#7 Mpho – change your glasses my dear.
Kaweche is holding a framed portrait of his mother, What is your problem?
Beautiful Betty, you are a unique woman to hold an esteemed man like Kaunda as your husband for 66 years. Such love and dedication is hard to come by just like my husband and I.
@10 Why. The President speaks through a mouth piece and that is George Chellah. Even on a corporate level, the Managing Director will speak through a spokesman (PRO). I am sure if you live in Zambia, you might have head of a Mr Kapata of Lusaka City Council, Kamoto Mbewe of Ministry of Health, Chibamba Kanyama, then of Zambia Breweries, the sweet Sievu of Zambia Sugar/Nakambala, Kanguya of BOZ, Kandeta of MoFNP and other shakers and movers of communication.
May the lady rest in peace. We shall forever be greatly indebted to her husband.
#11 WHY, whjat a ridiculous question!!! What planet do you live on? #12 Nubian Princess; thatn you for answerting another yet ridiculours question from #7 Lindunda Lindunda. (Not Mpho).
#11 WHY, what a ridiculous question!!! What planet do you live on? #12 Nubian Princess; thank you for answerting another ridiculours question from #7 Lindunda Lindunda. (Not Mpho). Sometimes you just have to wonder if some bloggers have anything between their ears!!
MHSRIP. Kanshi she was easterner? Nowander the stingness. I find her to be the worst first lady. She had no feelings for human kind and full of ego. In any case her life had nothing to do with me.
So why comment then??
Bamayo nabatushe muchibote. We will always miss you. To the family, our mother has just gone ahead of us and every time we look at the stars, the sun or the moon in the sky, she will always be there. Our mother of the nature, will alwaysShe has not gone away
May her sould rest in peace
#18, was wanting to say that ‘we will always love you’ mama Kaunda
Condolences to KK and family. She was a pillar to her family and was great support to her husband.
It is really sad to hear the passing of our Mother. I wish the Kaunda family to remain strong and be guided by the love of God. MHSRP.
No message of condolences from UPND?
MHSRIEP
MHSRIEP.
TO THE KAUNDA FAMILY, WE CELEBRATE MAMA BETTY’S LIFE WITH YOU.
MAMA BETTY DID NOT DISGRACE STATE HOUSE. REMEMBER VERA???
MAMA BETTY WAS NEVER GREEDY AND STAYED IN THE BACKGROUND. REMEMBER MAUREEN???
MAMA BETTY WAS NEVER PETTY AND WAS HUMBLE. REMEMBER TANDIWE???
CERTAINLY, DR. KASEBA SATA AND ALL OUR FUTURE FIRST LADIES SHOULD EMULATE THIS GREAT WOMAN!!!!!!!!! AS WE CELEBRATE HER LIFE.
GOD CONTINUE TO COMFORT, HEAL, PROTECT AND DELIVER THE KAUNDA FAMILY.
AMEN
Back then people used to die or pass away. Now they pass on. What changed?
No words from bitterman this time, is he campaigning?
Mama Betty RIP!