Joseph Chilambwe, the former deputy Information and Broadcasting minister during the late President Levy Mwanawasa’s administration, has called on the youth of Zambia to refrain from misusing social media. Instead, he urged them to harness the power of these platforms to share ideas that contribute to the country’s political, social, and economic growth.
In his remarks, Chilambwe expressed concern over the increasing trend of young people using social media to insult political leaders. He stressed that such behavior was damaging not only to the leaders but also to the nation as a whole. He noted that the future of Zambia belongs to the youth, and they should protect it by being responsible in their actions and speech, especially on platforms that have far-reaching effects.
“Ba youth chalo chenu ici, (youths this is your country) you shouldn’t be hoodwinked by these old tired but not retired politicians. They are just there to use you and dump you. Why should you be used as useful idiots when these people and their families are busy getting richer every day?” Chilambwe said, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of how they engage in political discourse.
He also underscored the importance of following proper channels when voicing grievances. While it is natural to have disagreements, Chilambwe reminded the youth that these differences should not lead to insults or personal attacks. He criticized the growing trend of insults directed at the President and other public figures, saying that this undermines the dignity of the office of the Head of State.
“Insulting the President is as good as insulting everyone who voted for the President into that seat,” Chilambwe added, further highlighting the broader consequences of such actions.
The former politician, who also served as the District Commissioner for Kitwe and Luanshya, called for the government to implement stricter cyber security laws to combat the abuse of social media. He stressed that media platforms should be tools for building the nation rather than tearing it apart.
On the issue of constitutional reform, Chilambwe welcomed the proposed constitutional amendments and the roadmap outlined by President Hakainde Hichilema. He praised the President’s efforts, stating that his administration is committed to ensuring that the constitution is amended before the 2026 general elections. Chilambwe further added that those opposed to the constitutional changes had ulterior motives.
“Those who don’t want to amend the constitution, they are guilty. The issue of delimitation is not something someone can cry about,” he said.
Chilambwe explained that some constituencies in Zambia are too vast for Members of Parliament to adequately serve their constituents, leaving many areas underserved in terms of development. He argued that creating smaller constituencies would enable MPs to focus better on delivering the expectations of their people, rather than prioritizing personal gain.
“A genuine member should fight for a smaller constituency so that one can deliver to the expectations of the people. Let us be fair to the people, not to individuals. Some Members of Parliament just want to eat with both hands at the expense of the poor Zambians,” Chilambwe concluded.
His call to action resonates with many who are concerned about the direction of Zambia’s social and political landscape, particularly with the influence of social media and the growing demands for political reform.