By SILUMESI MALUMO
THE Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) has welcomed Government’s decision to reopen schools next Monday.
However, the union appealed to the government and police to ensure safety of students, considering the spate of violence in some parts of the country.
ZANASU secretary general, Isaiah Mambwe, however expressed concern on security and preparedness of some institutions. He was speaking in an interview yesterday.
“After thorough consultation with the 21 affiliated institutions of higher learning, students across the country, we have noted carefully the increase in cases of political violence across the country especially Lusaka, North-Western, Copperbelt and some parts of Southern Province.
“As the students’ mother body, it is of a significant importance that we lobby Government to assure us of the safety and welfare of students at all costs if they return on campus just a few days after the general elections.
“Further, the country just went through an election period which has left a lot of tension in some parts of the country due to the fact that there is a definite change of Government. Hence a lot of transformation will need to take place,” he said.
Mr Mambwe appealed to the Zambia Police Service to ensure order so that the livelihood of the students was safeguarded on and off campuses.
“We have had a record of death in campuses in the past due to public riots and unrest which is politically influenced. “Further, we wish to applaud the Ministry of Health for the spirited fight against the Covid-19 pandemic which hit our country and the globe at large. The country has seen drastic reduction in cases and a lot of recoveries which gives us hope,” he said.
