Vera Tembo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vera Tembo
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|---|---|
| 2nd First Lady of Zambia | |
| In role November 2, 1991 – September 25, 2001 |
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| President | Frederick Chiluba |
| Preceded by | Betty Kaunda |
| Succeeded by | Maureen Mwanawasa |
| Member of the National Assembly | |
| In office 2006–2011 |
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| Succeeded by | Victoria Kalima |
| Constituency | Kasenengwa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 25, 1953 |
| Political party | MMD |
| Spouse | Frederick Chiluba (?–2000; divorced) |
| Children | Nine |
Vera Tembo, born on July 25, 1953, is a Zambian politician. She was the First Lady of Zambia from 1991 to 2001. This was during the time her former husband, Frederick Chiluba, was the President of Zambia.
Later, in 2006, she became a member of the National Assembly of Zambia. She represented the Kasenengwa area. She is part of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) political party.
Contents
Early Life and First Lady Role
Vera Tembo was married to Frederick Chiluba for many years. They had nine children together. When Frederick Chiluba became President in 1991, Vera Tembo became the First Lady. This important role meant she supported the President and represented Zambia.
Life After the Presidency
In 2000, Frederick Chiluba announced their separation. Their divorce was finalized in 2001. After this, Vera Tembo moved to Ndola to live with her family.
Political Career
Vera Tembo decided to enter politics after her time as First Lady. She wanted to help the people of Zambia.
Joining the National Assembly
In 2006, Vera Tembo ran for a seat in the National Assembly. This is like the parliament or congress in other countries. She ran for the Kasenengwa area, which is in her home Eastern Province. She won the election as a candidate for the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) party. This made her the first woman to represent Kasenengwa in the National Assembly.
Serving as Deputy Minister
Soon after winning her seat, President Levy Mwanawasa appointed Vera Tembo to a government position. She became the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources. This role meant she helped manage Zambia's beautiful natural places and promoted tourism.
She continued in this role when Rupiah Banda became President. She served as Deputy Minister from 2006 until 2011. In 2010, she helped move black rhinoceroses to North Luangwa National Park. This project aimed to protect these animals and help Zambia's tourism grow.
Later Life and Ministry
After leaving the National Assembly in 2011, Vera Tembo continued her public service in a different way. In March 2015, she announced that she had become a Christian pastor. She also started her own church called the Healing International Ministry.
