CHABIPA: Edith Zewelani Nawakwi dies aged 66!
Zambia is mourning the passing of one of its most prominent political figures, Edith Zewelani Nawakwi, President of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), who has died at the age of 66.
Nawakwi passed away in the early hours of today, around 02:00hrs, after a prolonged illness. She had been admitted to Coptic Hospital in Lusaka in recent days, with plans underway to evacuate her to India for further treatment. For the past two years, she had been traveling to India for specialized medical care, but her condition worsened last month.
Due to her illness, Nawakwi was unable to attend court sessions where she faced two counts of seditious practices charges that have also been brought against several opposition leaders in recent times. Her lawyer, State Counsel Chifumu Banda, informed Lusaka Magistrate Amy Masoja Chilangwa of her deteriorating health.
An economist by profession, Nawakwi’s contribution to Zambia’s political and economic landscape was groundbreaking. In 1990, she was among the pioneers who pushed for the re-introduction of multi party democracy in Zambia. Her trailblazing journey continued in 1998 when she was appointed Zambia’s and the SADC region’s first female Minister of Finance.
As President of the FDD, she stood as a presidential candidate in the 2016 general elections, continuing her legacy as a fearless advocate for democracy and development.
Her passing is a profound loss to the nation and the region. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Zambia’s progress.