Chikabala Kaleta, a dynamic youth leader from Zambia’s Copperbelt region, has urged elected officials to strengthen their engagement with the youth, emphasizing the importance of regular communication to ensure that young people are actively included in the country’s development. Kaleta, who serves as the UPND Chambishi Trustee, highlighted the exclusion of youth from the political and developmental conversations as a critical issue.
Speaking to Radio Icengelo News, Kaleta pointed out that Zambia’s youth form the majority of the population, yet they often feel sidelined in crucial matters of national progress. “Youths make up the majority of our population, but we often feel marginalized when leaders fail to engage us regularly,” Kaleta stated. “It is crucial that our voices are heard and that we are included in discussions about development.”
A Call for Action
Kaleta is actively addressing this issue by organizing a Youth Rally in Chambishi’s Twaiteka Ward on April 12. The event will provide a platform for young people to engage directly with political leaders. Among the leaders expected at the rally are UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso, Kankoyo Member of Parliament Heartson Mabeta, and UPND Copperbelt youth leaders led by Chairman Wallen Hinyama.
This rally is not only an opportunity for dialogue but also a chance to discuss pressing issues, especially those related to employment disparities in the mining sector, which Kaleta considers a significant challenge for local youths. In Chambishi, young people have expressed frustration over the lack of local employment opportunities in the mines, as companies often hire workers from outside the community.
Kaleta, who is also a China-trained economist and an aspiring candidate for the Kalulushi Parliamentary seat, voiced concerns over this issue. “I am from Chambishi, and I have seen how our youths are not considered for jobs in the local mines. This has to change,” he said. He stressed the need for unity and collective action to demand better job opportunities and development that benefits the local communities of Chambishi and Kalulushi.
Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Leadership
Kaleta’s efforts to create more engagement between youth and elected officials reflect a broader need for youth inclusion in governance. His call for action challenges leaders to prioritize regular interactions with young people and address their concerns, rather than allowing them to feel neglected. For Kaleta, this engagement is crucial for fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership among the youth.
As he continues his advocacy for youth empowerment, Kaleta’s vision for a more inclusive and responsive government remains central to his political aspirations. Whether as a youth leader or a potential future Member of Parliament, Kaleta believes that Zambia’s youth must be given the tools, opportunities, and a seat at the table in shaping the future of the country.
With his call for action gaining traction, the upcoming Youth Rally in Chambishi will be an important milestone in ensuring that the voices of young people are not only heard but also acted upon, leading to meaningful change in Zambia’s development agenda.
