The ‘Governor’ administration at the University of Zambia Student Union (UNZASU) is visibly approaching its final curtain.
As the calendar flips, UNZA heads to the polls next month, and already, ambitious and self-assured student leaders are lining up to take the mantle of leadership.
In Zambia, UNZASU elections attract widespread attention, not just because of the institution’s academic stature, but because of its rich history in shaping national leadership.
UNZA remains a formidable breeding ground for political thought and future national leaders.
It is no coincidence that over five African Presidents are alumni of this institution, with countless others serving in various influential government roles.UNZASU, in particular, has proven to be more than a student body, it is a powerful platform where the next generation of national leaders emerge.
The likes of Antonio Mwanza and Cornelius Mweetwa, who once walked these very corridors, left behind legacies that speak to the Union’s enduring impact.
Last year, a charismatic figure known as Dickson Mutambo AKA Governor took the student political scene by storm with the popular slogan: “Governor for you, Governor for me – Symbol Yatatu.” His rise to power was meteoric but so, too, was the weight of expectation.
Today, as we look back on his administration, the sentiment among students is largely one of disappointment.
While Governor’s term was filled with trips, photo ops, and media-friendly moments, it left behind a trail of unfinished business.
On a performance scale of 10, students are generously rating the administration at just 2. The gap between promises and delivery remains painfully wide.
As the race heats up, new names are emerging: UNZA Barrister, Rex Zambia, and Retired General have all thrown their hats into the ring.
Their campaigns are energizing the student body, reviving that unmistakable viva spirit that UNZA is known for during election seasons.But this year’s election carries more weight than usual.
Zambia heads to the national polls in 2026, and UNZASU’s next president could very well influence how the youth voice shapes that election.
With growing political interest in student unions, the next UNZASU president won’t just be a campus figurehead – they will be navigating complex national undercurrents and facing pressure from external political interests.This is why students must choose wisely.
The leader they elect won’t just be tasked with improving campus life they’ll also be the voice of the youth, a key demographic in national politics.
The decision made at UNZA this year could send ripples far beyond its gates.
So, who will rise? Who will take the Union forward – and who will falter under the spotlight?
UNZA decides soon. And as always, the country will be watching.