Cecilia Kadzamira
First Lady of Malawi
Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, GCVO (born 25 June 1938) was the official hostess of Malawi during the reign of president Hastings Banda. Whilst she and Banda were not officially married, she served as the first lady or official hostess for several years. For several years, she was the most powerful woman in Malawi. Kadzamira is referred to as "Mama" or "Mother of the Nation".
Quotes
edit- I still do charity work. I formed a community based organisation called Dzidalire. It is in Ntcheu and Dedza. We want to have it in all three regions. It started when a certain community asked me for help. I asked them what the most important thing was in this country. They said food. Then I advised them to start planting trees in their area. Previously Chitukuko Cha Amayi M’Malawi (CCAM) planted trees in that area, but over the years people cut or burnt them down and cultivated the land. We then raised funds for the project.
- I have problems with my back, that’s why I walk with a stick. It is Arthritis that affects the vertebrae. You can’t bend for hours. I need to time it. I always say thanks to the Lord, despite Arthritis, He has given me good health.
- We have plans to build a big maternity hospital. We just need to secure funding. That way is how I keep myself busy while helping others. I still work with Malawi Against Physical Disabilities. So, I write individuals in different countries to secure equipment for those with disabilities even for those in big hospitals. I also do a lot of farming in Mchinji, where I grow seed maize and beans (kholophethe). There are two villages where we look after orphans. So whatever we grow especially maize and soya beans, we donate to these kids.
