Zambia declares three days of mourning for former First LadyBy MICHAEL CHAWE in Lusaka | Saturday, September 22   2012 at  13:06

A sombre mood hung over Lusaka as the southern African nation mourned former First Lady Betty Kaunda, wife to first republican president Kenneth Kaunda, who died in neighbouring Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

The government has declared three days of national mourning in her honour.

Radio and TV stations across the country were playing solemn gospel hymns from morning to evening.
Burial of the late Mrs Kaunda takes place on Sunday at Lubwa Mission north of the country.

Mama Kaunda, 84,led a quiet life despite her proximity to power for 27 years.
Dr Kaunda was shown on different television stations openly breaking down.

Mrs Kaunda was born on November 17, 1928 at Mpika in the northern region of Zambia, then Northern Rhodesia.
She worked as a teacher after her training.

Dr Kaunda married Betty Banda in 1946. She was Zambia’s First Lady from October 1964 to November 1991.
She led a quiet life, mostly behind the scenes.

Last month, the couple celebrated their 66 years of marital union.

Betty is survived by her husband, eight children, 30 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.