Former Minister of Education in the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) regime Geoffrey Lungwangwa has challenged young people to actively participate in developing the digital technology generation.
Speaking at the official launch of the Southern Africa Students Union (SASU) regional summit at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on 23 October, Professor Lungwangwa urged students to bring to the table a plan that clearly articulates how to develop a digital generation.
Prof. Lungwangwa, who is currently Member of Parliament (MP) for Nalikwanda constituency in Western Province, said there was no better way of expending the energy of the youths for the transformation of African countries than to focus on the development of the digital technology generation.
The future of any society can be predicted by the opportunities that are created for young people today and in almost all cases, take the front line in bringing about significant changes in society. What the youth need therefore is the spark that can help change their lives.
Said prof. Lungwangwa.
He stated that most African communities are facing challenges today because they are still at traditional agrarian levels, noting that it was unfortunate that mechanical equipment is still a dominant tool being used in agriculture.
The infiltration of computerized devices in most African institutions are still very low. Most African states are still in the transition period from analogy to digital technologies.
He said.
Meanwhile, former Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Linda Kasonde expressed concern over the lack of female participation and representation in the student union.
She said that there is need to encourage female leadership as a way to achieve gender equality and equity.
One of the dangers to achieving gender equality is unconscious bias . . ., women are also more consultative.
Said Ms Kasonde.
This year, SASU 3-days regional summit is under the theme “Addressing Immediate Solutions to Student Challenges in Southern Africa” agenda 2063.
Student representatives from different Southern African countries have attended this year’s regional summit to discuss and address issues pertaining to students’ challenges and the countries present are South Africa, Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Namibia.