Betty Kaunda

Betty Kaunda, born Beatrice Kaweche Banda, was the wife of Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda, and the First Lady of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. She was locally called Mother of Zambia. Betty was born on 17 November 1928 to Kaweche Banda and Milika Sakala Banda at Mpika. She had her early education at Mbereshi Girls, underwent training at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation’s Women’s programme and worked as a teacher in Mufulira. Betty was married to Dr. Kenneth Kaunda in 1946, who was involved in freedom struggle at the time and later went on to become the first President of independent Zambia in 1964. Betty was the strength behind Dr. Kuanda all through their 66 years of relationship.