Zambia’s former first lady, Betty Kaunda, is dead

The wife of Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda, Betty, has died, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Mrs Kaunda died early on Wednesday in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she was visiting her daughter, Musata Kaunda Banda, according to her son, Panji, who is also deputy Minister of Works and Supply

Mrs Kaunda, commonly called “Mama” Betty Kaunda, was Zambia’s first lady from October 1964 to November 1991.

Kenneth Kaunda married Betty in 1946.

Last month, Betty and her husband celebrated their 66 years of marital life.

Mrs Kaunda was born on November 17, 1928, in Mpika, in the northern province of Zambia.

She preferred to contribute quietly, mostly behind the scenes, to support her family and nation and had been matron of many organisations and projects.

She is survived by Kenneth, eight children, 30 grand children and 11 great grand children.