KK pays moving tribute to Mama Betty
Dr Kaunda overcome with emotion during the funeral of Mama Betty Kaunda
During a requiem service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross attended by acting President Alexander Chikwanda, vice President Guy Scott, ministers, former president Rupiah Banda, opposition leaders, diplomats and people from all walks of life ,Dr Kaunda in his tribute to his late wife read on his behalf by Pius Kasutu described his late wife as a pillar.
Dr Kaunda described her wife’s death on 19th September, 2012 in Zimbabwe were she had gone to visit her daughter Musata as very unexpected.
He also described his companionship with his wife of 66 years as a fruitful journey.
The first president recalled how his marriage to Mama Betty Kaunda was destined to be when his mother Helen Kaunda in 1928 assisted in the birth of a baby who would later turn out to be her daughter in law in 1946.
Dr Kaunda recalled how President Michael Sata’s father in 1946 in Mpika acted as the go-between in his marriage negotiations for Mama Betty.
He also described his late wife as a great activist for Zambia’s independence, leading fellow women to strengthen the struggle for freedom despite the dangers involved.
Dr Kaunda said Mama Betty Kaunda actively supported the struggle for independence and the family, remaining strong in his absence and looking after the family.
And the first President attributed what he achieved to Mama Betty Kaunda to a greater part.
Mama Betty Kaunda who was born on 17th November 1928 will be put to rest today at the Kaunda farm Estate near State Lodge in Lusaka.
The requiem service for Mama Betty Kaunda held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross this morning was incident free.This unlike the previous service where over 100 PF slogan chanting thugs attacked UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
The service was attended by hundreds of people including acting President Alexander Chikwanda, vice President Guy Scott, ministers, former president Rupiah Banda, opposition leaders, diplomats and people from all walks of life.
Government had overruled police decision to bar political parties from wearing their party regalia at Mama Betty Kaunda’s burial today.
Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Maxwell Nkole said dress code would not be restricted because Mama Betty Kaunda was a unifying factor in the nation.
Mr Nkole said contrary to the police directive banning the political party regalia, political parties will be free to adorn their colours.
He however said all political parties should have Marshalls to control their cadres.
Mr Nkole urged political parties to avoid confrontations of any kind during and after the funeral.
Mr Nkole however said some party cadres who in the past have been associated with violence are not allowed to attend the funeral procession and burial.
Mr Nkole said he expects the police to be polite but effective in regulating the procession and burial of Mama Betty Kaunda.
Earlier, Lusaka Province Police Commissioner Solomon Jere announced that political party regalia had been banned at burial of Mama Betty Kaunda.
