UNZASU president dedicates ‘Ballon d’Or’ to HH

LUSAKA – Mwanto Kabaso, the President of the University of Zambia Students' Union (UNZASU), has publicly dedicated a symbolic 'Ballon d'Or' award to President Hakainde Hichilema, citing the Head of State's profound commitment to the welfare of Zambian youth and students. Kabaso, who himself received the honour from UNZA students last Monday in recognition of significant achievements during his leadership, asserted that President Hichilema's administration has been instrumental in fostering a conducive environment for higher education. This dedication underscores a growing sentiment among student leadership regarding the government's responsiveness to their concerns. The symbolic 'Ballon d'Or' was bestowed upon Kabaso by the University of Zambia student body for a series of notable accomplishments under his tenure. These include successfully advocating for the recent increase in student accommodation allowances, which saw payments rise from K3,900 to K5,850 for beneficiaries of government student loans. Furthermore, Kabaso was credited for championing the reintroduction of meal allowances for students during vacation periods, a move hailed as a significant improvement in student welfare. Beyond financial support, his leadership also saw progress in addressing critical infrastructure issues, such as the rehabilitation of UNZA's ageing sewer and water network, marking the first major upgrade in over six decades. In his dedication speech, Mr. Kabaso highlighted President Hichilema's consistent engagement with students, both during his time in opposition and since assuming office. He specifically praised the UPND-led administration for restoring meal allowances, which had been scrapped by the previous government, and for the regular increases in student support. The expansion of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) skills bursaries since 2021, which has significantly boosted enrolment in Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institutions,