University of Zambia student and social media personality Patience Proxie Banda, popularly known as UNZA Tyla, has declared her intention to run for the UNZASU female presidency, drawing mixed reactions over her suitability for student leadership.
Known for her playful and sassy online persona, UNZA Tyla is now positioning herself beyond entertainment, signalling a serious move into campus politics.
In a recent video that quickly gained attention, she said her ambitions extend beyond content creation.
“The video was not only meant for entertainment, but I am serious about running for UNZASU female president,” she said.
She said her inspiration comes from current UNZASU vice president Jemimah Mwaba, whom she credits for demonstrating women’s leadership potential.
“I want to bring empowerment for both female and male students. School is not always about seriousness, it can also be fun,” she said.
UNZA Tyla also highlighted the absence of female leadership at the highest level in the union.
“I want to show that women are capable of leading at the highest level,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ms Mwaba has emphasised the demands of leadership, describing it as a role that requires discipline and resilience.
“Leadership isn’t always glamorous. It’s discipline, resilience, hard conversations and serving people even when it’s hard,” she said in a Facebook post.
“Growth doesn’t happen in comfort,” she added.
Despite her growing popularity, UNZA Tyla’s online image has attracted criticism, with some students questioning whether her brand aligns with expectations of leadership.
However, she has defended her approach.
“Sometimes I respond, especially when it’s too much, because I can’t let someone kill my light. Other times, I ignore it,” she said.
Her potential candidacy has already divided opinion on campus, with some students praising her relatability while others argue the presidency requires a more conventional image.
With the UNZASU election season approaching, it remains unclear whether she will formally file her nomination and whether her social media influence will translate into electoral support.
By Micah Mudenda