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| 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 19th, 2012.
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