Cecilia Kadzamira Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth and Family

In quick succession and in line with her new first lady duties, Banda announced Kadzamira would run an organization called Chitukuko Cha Amayi muMalawi (CCAM), giving her more influence in Malawian politics and greater control over who had access to Banda. In 1974, when John Tembo, as chairman of the National Celebrations Council, transferred the venue of the Youth Week Inauguration venue it to Lilongwe without Banda’s authority, Kadzamira pleaded with Banda and saved Tembo from express expulsion from the MCP. Instead, Tembo was relegated to the post of Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, while Gwanda Chakuamba, then deputy commander-in-chief of the Malawi Young Pioneers, rose.

After the cabinet crisis in 1964, where Banda consolidated his political power, she was appointed the Official Government Hostess (OGH). This was suggested by Ismael Surtee, Banda’s utmost closest associate and head speaker of Zomba, making him one of the most important figures in the government beneath Banda at that time. With his influence, Banda accepted. There is speculation of her role in the Machiavellian public trial and hanging of Albert Muwalo, the last MCP Secretary-General (thereafter the post was reduced to Administrative Secretary). After much resistance and ahead of the official visit by Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya and the Kenyan first lady Mama Ngina, Banda finally ‘succumbed’. Kadzamira’s name and title changed from OGH to Mama Tamanda C. Kadzamira, ‘Mama’ of the nation.

Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, DCVO (born 25 June 1938) was the official hostess of Malawi during the reign of 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”.