19-YEAR-OLD LAW STUDENT TO BE SWORN IN AS ONE OF EASTERN PROVINCE’S YOUNGEST COUNCILLORS

At just 19 years of age, Rose Sakala is making history in Eastern Province as she officially takes her oath of office as the newly elected councillor for Mkowe Ward in Kasenengwa Constituency. Swapping her academic textbooks for chambers and council meetings, Sakala's ascension to local government marks a significant milestone for youth representation and grassroots political participation in rural Zambia. Her journey from a village upbringing in the Eastern Province to the civic chambers highlights a growing national appetite for leadership renewal and inclusive governance. Sakala completed her secondary education at New Matero Secondary School in Lusaka before returning home to the Eastern Province to contest the local government seat. Rather than waiting for traditional political milestones, she chose to enter the electoral arena directly, driven by a profound desire to give women, young girls, and marginalized rural communities a stronger voice in local decision-making. Her campaign resonated strongly with residents looking for energetic and dedicated leadership capable of addressing localized developmental challenges. Remarkably, Sakala is managing her heavy civic duties while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree through distance learning at Copperbelt University. By combining rigorous legal education with practical local administration, she intends to utilize her expanding legal knowledge to champion community rights, improve socio-economic opportunities, and ensure transparent resource distribution at the ward level. Her ability to juggle higher education and public office has earned her widespread admiration across digital platforms and local political circles alike. Political analysts view Sakala’s electoral victory as part of a broader, encouraging trend across Zambia where younger demographics are increasingly breaking traditional barriers to enter public service. Local government structures, often criticized for sluggish bureaucrati