ZAMBIA’S first Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda on Tuesday night sang a love song dedicated to his wife Mama Betty when he received the Mahatma Gandhi International (MAGI) Award for Peace and Reconciliation, a short while before he learnt of her death.
Dr Kaunda, who was in Durban, South Africa, to receive the Mahatma Gandhi International (MAGI) Award for Peace and Reconciliation said he was unable to be with his wife by his side because she was still recovering from a stroke, but that he would sing a love song he used to sing for her when they just met.
The emotional love song talked about how Dr Kaunda would never forget the first kiss he shared with late mama Betty, sounding as if saying goodbye to the person who had been his wife for 66 years. This was a few hours before Mama Betty died in her sleep while visiting the daughter, Musata, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
During the gala-ceremony held at Durban City Hall, Dr Kaunda was presented with the award in recognition of his humility, courage, selflessness and conviction in the struggle against the oppression of his own people in Zambia, the support and assistance given to South Africa during the struggle against apartheid and the negotiation process; and for continuing the work of building peace in the continent in true Gandhian tradition.
Receiving the award, Dr Kaunda said he accepted the award with humility knowing that there were other luminaries who were deserving of the award.
He said he was grateful that the Trust had recognised his modest passion towards peace in the world.
Dr Kaunda said in the most difficult years of colonialism in Zambia, he and his colleagues remained faithful to the Gandhian teachings.
He said in 1958 some prominent Indian businessmen who were resident in Zambia contributed funds to enable him travel to India, a country which had already achieved Independence, in order to compare notes on tactics to be used on the similar struggle in the country.
Dr Kaunda also mentioned the meetings he held with successive leaders who served in the then apartheid regime in South Africa with a view to resolving matters peacefully.
“I therefore wish to accept this award with a deep sense of humility in the name of the men and women who paid a big sacrifice in the interest of peace, harmony and tranquility for succeeding generations…may the good Lord continue to bless you,” said Dr Kaunda to rapturous applause and a standing ovation, But before he could deliver the speech to accept the award.
Dr Kaunda also led the audience into singing his now traditional “we shall fight and conquer AIDS” song.
Introducing Dr Kaunda to the podium to receive the award, member of the Gandhi development Trust Board Paddy Kearney said critical of the socio-political situation in Africa, Dr Kaunda was in the forefront of the efforts to liberate African countries.
He said as a great friend of South Africa’s leaders like Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani and Walter Sisulu, Dr Kaunda was an open supporter of the anti-apartheid movement and other African liberation movements.
Kearney said the release of statesman Nelson Mandela from prison took place under Dr Kaunda’s leadership as the chairman of the Front-line States.
He said when Dr Kaunda was defeated by late Frederick Chiluba in the 1991 multi-party elections, he graciously accepted defeat, and has now engaged himself in several charities, chief of which are those dedicated to the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Those who received the other award called the Satyagraha included former freedom fighters Denis Golberg, Mewa Ramgobin, Susan Barbara Britton, Zak Yacoob, while ANC Founder John Langalibalele Dube and late Black Consciousness Movement leaders Bantu Stephen Biko received the award posthumously.
Prominent among those who attended the ceremony included Premier of Kwazulu Natal province Dr Zweli Mukize, some South African judges and Zambia’s High Commissioner to South African His Excellency Mr Muyeba Chikonde.
After the packed gala dinner, the former President held a meeting with Zambians living in South Africa at Coastland Hotel where he was lodging and urged them to always uphold the “One Zambia, One Nation Motto” wherever they were.
However, Dr Kaunda’s award has been overshadowed by the demise of Mama Betty who passed on a few hours after he was honoured.
This message was released by Patson Chilemba First Secretary (Press) at the Zambia High Commission in South Africa
It is indeed a dark year for the Kaunda family.May Gods guidance and protection be with them during sad moment.
May the Lord grant our President HE KK strength
I didn’t know that woman..what did shes do for the society ..all the ills that happened during KK’s time..she’s been so quiet..
Probably you were only told the bads of the Kaundas and not the goods which far outweighed their shortcomings. In any case, in a time of mourning, it’s just human to late the family and the country mourn in peace. You had all the time you needed to castigate the founding father, but this woman of God, I think you are being very unfair for some of us that grew up during the UNIP era rarely heard or so her parade herself unless on important occasions besides her husband. Leave Mama Betty Kaunda be.
This is sad reading. We all morn with KK in his darkest hour. This couple has been an example of how we should live as humans. I feel so sad to read this. May the good lord grant KK and the country strength through this awful period. MHSRIP.
MHSRIP
LT you could have at least written the actual song, this is half news
Mhsrip
Where is HH?? Why is he quiet after insulting KK??
May Her Soul Rest In Peace.
Mama Betty may your soul rest in peace. The mother true mother of the nation. My condolecence Papa Kaunda and the family.
Tata Kaunda…a giant among men…be blessed agogo
What a beautiful love story! Kenneth and Betty, 66 years of commitment and faithfulness, no couple can match this in Zambia.
My husband and I are moving towards it though. 10 years and we are still in love, madly.
Mukose!!!
Namu teketeke
Nubian Princess, what faithfulness are you toking about? Grandpa KK has alot of children out of marriage and you call that faithfullness. You wil be surprised to discovered ur husband also has
may her soul rest in peace
May Mama Betty Kaunda’s soul Rest In Peace. We are with you Dr Kaunda sir with your family in mourning our beloved founding mother. May you find grace and strength in the Almighty God during this trying time. God bless you and your family.
@2 Taliban, what are you suggesting? Are the 3 days national morning period too much? The lady was so selfish and full of ego. I agree with you that nothing can be attributed to her outside Kaunda. Maybe the issue of extra marital with Kapwepwe.
Dr Khumawa, Kapwepwe was only helping a woman in need whos husband was busy with the mama Kankasa’s etc.
Pliz give the man credit
@Dr Khumawa you are so inhuman, were you born from a dog.
So the first, first lady is dead? She was the first (UNIP), followed by Vera(Regina?) (MMD), them Mourine, Young Thandiwe (MMD) and now Dr Kaseba (PF). These were/are great women who took/are taking care of our great leaders. Amai Betty You are being remembered by yo humbleness. As quiete as Impanga. You have died like Impanga. Betty Kaunda Stadium In Chipata will always reminds me of you. MYSRIP. IN THE SWEET, BY AND BY, WE SHALL MEET IN THAT BEAUTIFULL SHOW.
its beautiful “shore” as in kwishilya!!! munkala ku america nachizungu simuziba bati
@ # 14 Dr Khumawa, you were indeed born from a fluffy dog
Life is bitter-sweet I guess and Condolences to KK and family for the loss, this is dedicated to Betty and a compensation for AU not recognising our KK, one love to the bally, congratulations and we will be there to put Betty to rest with you bally !!!
This man KK is a fake man. His wife was sick for many years but he preferred globe-trotting and the camera! A few weeks ago, his wife was seriously ill but he was dancing at Nevers Mumba’s son’s wedding. It is all bulls@#t. Why was he singing a love song to Indians and not to her by her bedside? She needed to hear these words. This would have made her death easier. You do not have to travel for each and every award you are given. Old man is selfish like most last borns! who is the st@#id ***** now????
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