Vibes Against Vandalism: Shimabala gets drummed into action with ZESCO & YAAV

By Simon Muntemba

A vibrant beat sparked life into the morning air on a chilly Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the quiet Chipongwe village, Shimabala Ward, of Kafue District.

Like a thunderclap on a quiet day, the rhythm shattered the morning calm, drawing eyes wide and footsteps quick.

A local dance and drama group, armed with drums, songs, and infectious energy, turned a sleepy gathering into a vibrant celebration and delivered a powerful message against vandalism of ZESCO installations.

These young performers were not just talented, but had also been equipped with dance skills and artistic abilities through the Youth Action Against Vandalism (YAAV) initiative, in conjunction with Zambia Popular Theatre Alliance (ZAPOTA) and Zambia Folk Dance and Music Society (ZAFODAMUS).

Under expert trainers, the youth had mastered crafting compelling narratives to spark behavior change in their community with regards to vandalism.

It all started with just a handful of curious onlookers at around 10:00 hours. But as the drums kicked in, and the drama group burst into song and dance, the village transformed.

Residents of different ages emerged from homes, leaving chores and gossip behind, drawn by pulsing rhythms that felt like the heartbeat of the community. Before long, the area was alive with people clapping, swaying, laughing, and dancing along as the youth used drama to sensitize them against vandalism of ZESCO installations.

Thereafter, the group took their message to Shimabala Market along the Great North Road, where traders couldn’t resist joining in. With dancing and singing, the market came alive, and so did the anti-vandalism message.

Stalls shook, vehicles slowed, and passersby stopped in their tracks, all swept up in the whirlwind of singing and dancing by the youthful drama group members.

Seizing the moment, the drama group wove a compelling narrative through skits, highlighting vandalism’s dangers, including how stolen cables and damaged transformers plunge communities into darkness, crippling businesses, schools, and healthcare.

The message was clear: Zesco ni yathu, meaning, ‘these installations belong to us, and we must protect them. Vandalizing ZESCO installations attract not less than 10 years jail sentence!

“The response was impressive! With this kind of sensitization, we expect to tackle vandalism which is rampant here. We thank ZESCO and YAAV for the initiative,” said Kerris Habwacha, Shimabala Ward Community Development youth chairperson and performer, beaming with pride.

Habwacha added: “We want to stop vandalism in our area. These installations power our homes, shops, and the entire community. In fact, it’s like stealing from ourselves!”

During the sensitization, some community members stepped forward, volunteering to join the anti-vandalism community action group.

They pledged to keep an eye out for anyone vandalizing ZESCO installations and report them for prosecution.

“We’ll make sure our community is safe from vandals,” said one volunteer, sparking applause from the crowd.

Speaking earlier, local leader Headman Andrew Mweemba who thanked ZESCO and YAAV for the initiative pledged to work with the trained local drama group to sensitize community members.

He further urged his subjects to resist vandalism, warning that it would not be business as usual.

“I won’t tolerate it in my village. Be vigilant, report anyone involved,” the village headman warned with a firm nod.

Zesco Limited’s Senior Security Officer, Kenny Suze called on scrap metal dealers to stop buying stolen Zesco cables.

“Stop providing a market for vandals. Vandalism risks lives through electrocution, 10-20 years imprisonment, leaving families suffering. Those involved in vandalism of ZESCO installations risk being electrocuted or imprisoned for minimum 10 years or 20 years maximum, leaving their families suffering. Some vandals are sentenced to life imprisonment if their actions cause death,” he warned with a serious face.

YAAV, funded by ZESCO Limited and coordinated through the National Arts Council, has made strides addressing vandalism across Zambia via arts and culture. The project (2025/2026) engages youth, leaders, and the public through skits, shows, social media, roadshows, and outreach.

In Chipongwe and Shimabala Market, the curtain’s fallen on complacency. The village is now charged with: We care. We act. We protect. ZESCO ni yathu.

The success of this initiative has sparked hopes that other communities will adopt similar approaches to combat vandalism.

As one resident put it, “This is the kind of energy we need to keep our community safe and free from vandalism.”