Betty Kaunda

Betty Kaunda
1st First Lady of Zambia
In role
24 October 1964 – 2 November 1991
PresidentKenneth Kaunda
Preceded byPosition created
Succeeded byVera Tembo
Personal details
Born(1928-11-17)November 17, 1928
Chinsali, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia)
DiedSeptember 18, 2012(2012-09-18) (aged 83)
Harare, Zimbabwe
Spouse(s)Kenneth Kaunda (1946–2012; her death)

Betty Kaunda, born Beatrice Kaweche Banda (17 November 1928 – 18 September 2012) was the wife of Kenneth Kaunda the first president of Zambia, and the 1st First Lady of Zambia from 1964 to 1991.[1][2] She was locally called Mother of Zambia. As the First Lady, she was part of many diplomatic visits and matron of many organizations.[3] As a politician, she led a very simple life even after becoming the First Lady and never gave in to the luxuries of the position.[4]

Betty was considered the national mother by Zambian citizens. Betty suffered from diabetes for many years. She died in the early hours of 19 September in Harare while visiting her daughter. Her burial was planned initially was Lubwa Mission, but was moved to the capital Lusaka on account of waning health of Dr. Kaunda.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Betty Kaunda dies". The Times of Zambia. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 18 December 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  2. ↑ "Zambians Mourn Death of Former First Lady Betty Kaunda". Voice of America. 20 September 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  3. ↑ "Mama Betty Kaunda dies". Lusaka Times. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  4. ↑ Kaunda, Betty; Mpashi, Stephen A. (1969). Betty Kaunda; wife of the President of the Republic of Zambia. Betty Kaunda, Stephen A. Mpashi.
  5. ↑ "Mama Betty Kaunda buried". Chronicle. 29 September 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2018.