Whenever one thinks about entertainment at the University of Zambia (UNZA), the first thing that comes to mind is the Fresher’s bash which is held once a year. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that this has not been enough for the student populous.
Over the years, the campus student union, popularly known as UNZASU has been responsible for organizing this prestigious event, as well as street parties and host both upcoming and already established artists at the Student Center.
It can be said that the union hasn’t been consistent when it comes to delivering student services, mainly due to the indefinite closures and the banning of the student union by government.
With the lifting of the ban last year by Higher Education minister Nkandu Luo which saw the election of a new union, there has been a number of successful events and it seems to not be stopping any time soon.
Kennedy Mwansa, popularly known among students as Pa Social is current Minister of Social Cultural and Entertainment, and opened up on the plans the union has for the social well-being of students.
“We intend on taking entertainment to the next level this year. It’s not only about concerts or the bash, there is a comedy show being we are planning before the end of this semester so as to have every student’s social desires addressed,” he said.
He added: “The next academic semester has more in store. There will be a social night at the beginning of the term, the long-awaited Miss UNZA which falls in September and hopefully have a traditional ceremony trip in August.”
Entertainment, being one of the most sought after activities in most tertiary institutions in the country is one of the most talked about topics among the “new entrants”. This is as a result of what senior students tell them.
A first-year student, Nang’andu Shikoswe, gave her short lived experience thus far at the university and what she thought it would be like.
“The fresher’s bash was mind blowing for me as I have never seen so many top artists performing at one event. I even got pictures with my favourite artists,” Nang’andu echoed.
She further said: “I thought there was going to be a teargas spills this year as well because a senior students had earlier related to the predicament that transpired the year before.”
Michael Sakala, a third-year student, expressed his gratitude to the current union on the works they have continued to do.
“It’s great to see our union working hard to meet the needs of students despite the hiccups that they have faced. In my first year, we didn’t even have any bash or any form of entertainment because a disturbed academic calendar,” he said.
It can be said that entertainment in UNZA has taken a new turn because students believe that it “keeps getting better overtime” because of having the “right” leaders in power.