By Staff Reporter
Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda’s wife, Betty, has died in Harare, aged 84. Mama Betty, as she was known, was married to Dr Kaunda for 66 years. Reports say she died in a hospital in Harare.
According to Zambian media reports details of her illness and subsequent death were not immediately available. Her son, Colonel Panji Kaunda who is Works and Supply deputy minister confirmed Mama Betty’s death.
She had been visiting her daughter, Musata Kaunda Banda who is the counselor at the High Commission in Zimbabwe. She was appointed by former president Rupiah Banda and is married to a Mr. James Banda.
Kaunda, said to be out of the country, last month celebrated their 66th marriage anniversary at a moving function. The first Zambian first lady had mostly led a quiet life, occasionally appearing at public events along with her husband.
Mama Betty was in May, 2012 honoured by President Michael Sata for her contribution to the independence struggle in Zambia. In his message of condolence Sata said she was a pillar at the heart of Zambia’s emancipation.