Commission opens condolence book for late Betty Kaunda

The Zambian High Commission in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, has opened a condolence book for the late Betty Kaunda, wife to that country’s first president Kenneth Kaunda, first secretary at the high commission Chansa Kabwela Ngilazi said on Wednesday.

‘Mama’ Betty, 84, died in her sleep in Harare, Zimbabwe, on September 19 2012 while visiting her daughter.  She battled with diabetes for the last 60 years.

“The book will be open for signing in Lilongwe by members of the public from today [Wednesday] to Friday September 28 2012 from 08:30 hours to 12:00 hours in the morning and 14:30 hours to 16:00 hours in the afternoon. On Friday, the book remains open until 12:00 hours,” Ngilazi said in a statement.

Zambia’s High Commissioner Billy Munyumbwe described the death of ‘Mama’ Betty as shocking and a loss to the nation.

“She will be fondly remembered for the pivotal role she played during the liberation struggle and giving refuge to freedom fighters in the southern African region who were fleeing their countries at the height of the fight for freedom from colonial rule.

“She was not only a pillar in the Kaunda family but also a mother to the nation of Zambia. We can only wish Dr. Kaunda and family strength and God’s comfort during this period of mourning,” said Munyumbwe.

Mama Betty was a trained teacher and she married Dr. Kenneth Kaunda in 1946. She is survived by eight children, 38 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Mama Kaunda, said the statement, will be buried in Lusaka.