Maureen Mwanawasa

First Lady of Zambia, politician

Maureen Mwanawasa (April 28, 1963 – August 13, 2024) was a Zambian politician and former First Lady of Zambia from 2002 until 2008. She was also the widow of former President Levy Mwanawasa, who died in office in 2008. She was the past president of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS and founder of the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI) in 2002.

Maureen Mwanawasa
Former First Lady of Zambia
In role
January 2, 2002 – August 19, 2008
PresidentLevy Mwanawasa
Preceded byVera Tembo
Succeeded byThandiwe Banda
Personal details
Born(1963-04-28)April 28, 1963
Kabwe, Zambia
DiedAugust 13, 2024(2024-08-13) (aged 61)
Lusaka, Zambia
Political partyUPND
Spouse(s)Levy Mwanawasa (1988–2008; his death)

Political career

change

As early as 2006, Mwanawasa was seen as a potential candidate for president of the country,[1] but following her husband's death she did not file as a potential candidate to represent her husband's party in the election. In May 2016, Mwanawasa announced she was going to contest in the 2016 general election for the sit of Mayor of Lusaka under the United Party for National Development (UPND).[2] She however lost to the Patriotic Front (PF) candidate, Wilson Kalumba.[2] Kalumba won the election with 270,161 votes, while Mwanawasa came in second place with 150,807 votes.

Mwanawasa died of a short-illness at a hospital in Lusaka, Zambia on August 13, 2024 at the age of 61.[3]

References

change
  1. Mumba, Brainwave R. (November 26, 2007). "How The G Factor May Help The MMD Should Maureen Mwanawasa Run". The Zambian Chronicle. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 4 November 2010.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa loses in her bid to become Mayor of Lusaka". Lusaka Times. 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  3. Maureen Mwanawasa dies