Local dance and drama groups through YAAV sensitize against ZESCO vandalism in Chingola

By Simon Muntemba

In a bid to combat the scourge of vandalism that has been plaguing Zambia’s energy infrastructure, a group of dynamic local drama and dance troupes in Chingola District of the Copperbelt Province have been equipped with the skills to spread a powerful message of awareness and resistance.

This initiative is part of the Youth Action Against Vandalism (YAAV) program, a collaborative effort between the Zambia Folk Dance and Music Society (ZAFODAMUS) and the Zambia Popular Theatre Alliance (ZAPOTA), aimed at educating communities about the dangers of vandalism and promoting the protection of Zesco’s installations.

The YAAV project, funded by ZESCO Limited and coordinated through the National Arts Council of Zambia, has made significant strides in addressing vandalism-related issues across Zambia, leveraging the influence of arts and culture associations to engage youth, community leaders, and the public through skits, community shows, social media campaigns, roadshows, and educational outreach.

The trained groups, comprising predominantly girls and boys, have already hit the streets, performing in residential areas like Chiwempala and Lulamba, as well as market places and bus stations, to sensitize community members about the devastating impact of vandalism.

With the skills imparted to them, these young artists are now spreading a message of hope and responsibility, urging their peers and community members to take a firm stand against the destruction of transformers and cables that cost the nation severely and disrupt vital services, affecting businesses, schools, and households.

Speaking at the culmination of the capacity building training, ZAFODAMUS Secretary General Mary Manzole expressed her society’s delight with the turnout of participants, particularly the local youth.

“We are thrilled to see young people taking the lead in this fight against vandalism,” Ms. Manzole said.

She added: “We urge them to use the skills imparted to them to make a real difference in their communities.”

ZAPOTA Secretary General Taonga Tembo disclosed that 16 individuals have already registered as Anti-Vandalism Community Action members, pledging to be vigilant guardians of electricity assets in their respective communities.

“The youth are the future of our nation, and it’s encouraging to see them taking ownership of this critical issue,” said Mr Tembo.

Zesco Limited senior security officer, North Western region, Justine Buleya, emphasized the importance of community ownership of Zesco installations.

“When vandalism occurs, it’s the community that suffers, not Zesco,” Mr. Buleya said. “We encourage everyone to report anyone involved in vandalism, and we will give a token of appreciation to those who do.”

“Vandalism is a cancer that is eating away at our community,” said Prudence Chiwa, one of Sotambe Cultural Group members.

“I’m personally committed to sensitizing my community about the dangers of vandalism and working towards a vandalism-free society because my family is a victim of vandalism in our area,” Ms. Chiwa stated.

Pissah Kaunda, Pera Drama Group team leader, thanked Zesco and YAAV for organizing the training.

“This training will go a long way in combating rampant cases of vandalism,” he said.

Chingola District Chaplain, Inspector Simon Muchonkwa, warned that vandalism of Zesco installations carries a minimum 10-year-sentence or 25 years maximum, urging members of the public to report anyone involved.

Similar activities are expected to roll out across the Copperbelt Province, focusing on Mufulira, Kitwe, Luanshya, and Ndola Districts. – Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ).