Maureen Mwanawasa: Zambian former first lady dies aged 61

Ebcb1b50 5a1e 11ef a0b8 81063d05fb66.jpg

Trained as a lawyer, Mrs Mwanawasa was an active advocate for social justice, community development and public health issues.

She co-owned a law firm with her husband until he entered politics and was actively involved in her husband’s successful presidential bid in 2001.

Before her husband’s death in 2008, she was considered a potential candidate to succeed him but after he died, she did not seek to stand.

In 2016, Mrs Mwanawasa unsuccessfully ran for the position of mayor of Lusaka.

It is not clear if she was a member of any political party before her death.

She was a founding member and former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS, currently known as the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.

Her efforts in community development earned her several awards, including the International Hope Award from World Vision in 2006.

“May her legacy of hardworking, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our nation continue to inspire us,” said Nevers Sekwila Mumba, leader of Mr Mwanawasa’s Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), now in opposition.

In his statement, President Hichilema called on the country to unite “as we join her family, and indeed the nation, in prayer”.


Source link

Check Also

00f24fa0 1a3e 11f0 b1b3 7358f8d35a35.jpg

Elon Musk’s Starlink and the racially charged row over operating in South Africa

Khanyisile Ngcobo BBC News, Johannesburg Getty Images The tussle between Starlink boss Elon Musk and …

Leave a Reply

Available for Amazon Prime