By HOPE BWALYA –
THE University of Zambia (UNZA) has urged youths in the country not to engage in political violence, but to involve themselves in constructive dialogue that will develop the country.
Meanwhile, the university has praised Government’s decision to construct tertiary institutions countrywide because it would help decongest UNZA.
UNZA vice-chancellor Luke Mumba said youths should learn to tolerate each other’s political views so as to ensure the holding of peaceful elections.
Professor Mumba was speaking in an interview in Lusaka.
“Human beings by nature are political, the youths need to take a lead in the politics of this country, but most importantly, youths must learn to co-exist.
“We must be able to accommodate other people’s views as violence will not take this country forward,” he said.
Prof Mumba said young people should learn to respect other people’s opinions as doing so would ensure the country’s peace.
He said people should realise that everyone was different and, therefore, could not have the same views about a subject.
Prof Mumba said instead of the youth involving themselves in violence, they should learn to criticise, challenge and question each other’s views for Zambia to make progress.
He said the construction of universities would help decongest UNZA and increase the availability of learning facilities in the country.
“It is a very welcome development. Previously, higher education in Zambia was synonymous with UNZA, but now things are changing as Government has realised that the demand for higher education is increasing.
“It is good that the Government is investing  heavily in that area. There has to be competition among universities,” he said.