MY GIRL BETTY WAS A GREAT ACTIVIST - KK

First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has described his late wife as a great activist for Zambia’s Independence, a dear wife, friend, advisor and supporter.

Dr. Kaunda, in a message read on his behalf by family representative Pius Kasutu during a Church Service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, said the journey of life with Mama Betty was a fruitful one.

Dr. Kaunda recounted events of the past few weeks when he and his wife celebrated their 66^th anniversary without knowing that the end of the lovely journey of their marriage vows was near.

“My girl Betty ours was a journey of Happiness and love,” said Dr. Kaunda.

He further described the death of Mama Betty as very unexpected.

Dr. Kaunda said working together during the struggle for independence was the most difficult time for the family as he had to leave her with the children for a long time amidst the challenges of providing for the family.

He further described his late wife as a freedom Fighter who led fellow women to strengthen the struggle despite the dangers that came along.

“I recall the times when Betty, My Girl could go and ask for food from the colonial masters when I was in Prison, and my Children running away when I came back home with long beads, this was because they never knew me to be with them because they were always with the mother, Mayo kwaisa ichimuntu no mwefu uutali,” recounted Dr. Kaunda.

Dr. Kaunda said Mama Betty’s involvement in the struggle was for the love of peace and justice.

“Betty never hated the colonial masters but she was against the injustice of the masters,” he explained.

He said despite not been in the lime light, Betty was always in the forefront of organizing women in support of harmony among families together with other first ladies.

Dr. Kaunda, however, attributed his marriage and success with his late wife to a partnership that came through Gods’ divine love.

Meanwhile, Daughter, Granddaughters and grandsons to the late Mama Betty have described Mama Betty as a pillar of hope trust and hard work who always had a heart for the people without segregation.

Daughter Masata Banda from Zimbabwe where Mama Betty went to visit and later died said it is such unforgettable moment as she hardly knew that her mother visited her for the last time.

Mrs. Banda said Mama Betty was a preacher of peace, Unity and love for all people.

She said Mama Betty never got tired to teacher her children, grand children and great grand children the better ways of life and the importance of justice and harmony among people.

The former first lady was born on November 17, 1928 in Chinsali and will today be put to rest at the Kaunda’s farm Estate near state lodge in Lusaka.

AU JOINS ZAMBIA IN MOURNING MAMA BETTY

Jean Ping

The African Union (AU) has joined Zambians, international and regional bodies in mourning former late First Lady of Zambia, Mama Betty Kaunda.

Outgoing AU Commission Chairperson, Jean Ping, described late Mama Betty Kaunda as a great woman who contributed immensely to Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership.

ZANIS reports that Dr. Ping said this in his message of condolences to the Zambian government, former first family and the Zambian people through AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba.

This is contained in a press statement released to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia, Dorcas Chileshe.

“The African Union (AU) has learnt with sadness and deep sorrow the death of Mama Betty Kaunda, former First Lady of the Republic of Zambia,” He said.

Dr. Ping stated that the continental body is mourning Mama Betty Kaunda with Dr. Kaunda and the people of Zambia.

He urged the nation to draw strength and comfort from God during this trying moment.

A requiem mass for Mama Betty Kaunda has since taken place at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and burial takes place this afternoon in Lusaka’s State Lodge area.

President Michael Sata accorded the late former First Lady a three national mourning period which was later extended after Dr. Kaunda suddenly fell ill and was hospitalised at the University Teaching Hospital.

The late Mama Betty Kaunda died in her sleep in Zimbabwe on September 19^th, 2012.

FOUR DIE, SEVEN INJURED IN GREAT NORTH ROAD ACCIDENT

Four people died on the spot while seven others survived with injuries yesterday after a Toyota Haice registration Number ALB 7864 they were travelling in overturned following a rear tyre burst.

Acting Zambia Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, told ZANIS in a press statement that the driver of the bus, Cleophas Mutiti, aged 43, of Arakan Barracks, also sustained a painful right shoulder and is admitted to Serenje hospital.

Mr Hamoonga named the four that died as Chalwe Mutiti, aged 37, Pascaline Pabaso, aged 23, Loveness Mwansa, Mutiti, 39 and Agness Mutiti 37.

He said the deceased persons were believed to be travelling to Samfya from Lusaka.

Mr Hamoonga further named the seven people as, Humphrey Mumba, 30, a teacher at Serenje School, Miriam Chupa, aged 50, of Highridge in Kabwe, John Kupoba aged, 5, of Kamwala South in Lusaka and Cleopatra Mutiti aged 1 of Arakan Barracks in Lusaka.

Others are Amelia Mutiti, aged 36, of Kamwala South, Catherine Mutiti of Chindwini Barracks and Kamfwa Nkandwe, aged 4, of Mikango Barracks.

The victims have been admitted to Samfya District Hospital while the bodies of the deceased are lying in Samfya hospital mortuary.

TWO MILLION EURO SADC WATER PROJECT LAUNCHED

A Two million Euros Regional Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (RWSSP) for member states in the Southern African Development Community (SADCC) has been launched.

The programme is aimed at enhancing regional attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and support the development of post 2015 water, sanitation and hygiene.

The launch which took place in Johannesburg today was attended by over 60 delegates from ministries responsible for Water, Sanitation, Housing, Finance and Planning from all the SADCC member states.

And during the launch, Chief Water Policy Officer from the African Water Facility (AWF) of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Peter Akari urged SADC member states to promote infrastructure development that incorporates climate change adaptation in their interventions towards increased access to water and sanitation.

The 22 month programme which is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Water Facility (AWF) with the contribution from the SADC secretariat will develop regional frameworks, tolls and methodologies to assist SADC member states on how to improve water supply in the region.

The RWSSP is an integral component of SADC’s regional water policy and the current regional strategic action plan (RSCAP) on integrated water resources, development and management which runs from 2011 to the year 2015.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Senior Programme Officer for water infrastructure and Services Directorate, Phera Ramoeli.

ZANIS

BETTY KAUNDA’S BURIAL SET FOR FRIDAY IN LUSAKA

Mama Betty Kaunda, who died on September 19 in Harare, Zimbabwe, will be buried in Lusaka on Friday, September 28 at the residence Farm Estate situated behind State Lodge off Leopards Hill Road.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Rowland Msiska, announced in a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Dr Msiska said this follows the guidance by the Kaunda family and her husband, the first republican president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Prior to that, Dr Kaunda’s son, Kaweche, said his father made the ‘difficult’ decision to change the venue of his wife’s burial place after extensive discussions with close family members.

The burial of Mama Betty Kaunda was earlier announced that she would put to rest in Chinsali district in Muchinga province.

He said the burial procession will be preceded by a church service at the cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10-30 hours.

The Acting Secretary to the Cabinet has since advised all mourners to be seated by 09:45 hours.

Dr Msiska added that international sports events will be held as scheduled and will follow international standard practice of observing a minute of silence while sportsmen and women must wear black armbands.

Meanwhile, President Micheal Sata has extended the period of national mourning, which was declared in honour of Mama Betty, for five days ending Friday September 28, 2012 after burial on Friday.

During this period, all flags will continue to fly at half-mast and activities of an entertainment nature should be postponed or cancelled.

Dr Msiska said in the meantime, the first president, Dr Kaunda, continues to receive treatment at the University Teaching Hospital and has made considerable progress.

ZANIS