The University of Zambia Journals
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Dissent and Opposition to One Party System in Zambia: Was it Ideological?
Full text linkDissent and opposition to the one-party system in Zambia has been given narratives of regional politics and tribalism. This article analysed dissent to the one -party system introduced by the UNIP government in 1973 ideologically and made a determination if differences in perceptions on the country’s socio-economic and political arrangements by political opponents were sustainable. The analysis did not only focus on the post- independence opposition parties but also individuals and bodies that helped to illuminate difference in political ideology in the post- independence Zambian society. The discussion was within the broader subject of ideology and politics in Africa which is still a relevant subject to current African politics including Zambia. To establish a case whether dissent and opposition to the one party-state was ideological or not, this article used available literature from published works on post -independence Zambian politics including political manifestos, pronounced political programs and any political positions made by opponents that would assist in deducing ideological leaning. Using content analysis, this article found that opposition and dissent to the one-party system introduced by the UNIP government was ideologically grounded though not sustainable. Opposition political parties, civil society and the student body provided an alternative thinking to socialist ideals of the UNIP government by suggesting pro capitalist, free market and neoliberal views on various government policies and programmes
Mystical Powers in Bemba Cosmology: Exploring the Influence on Bemba Catholics, Implication on Faith and The Catholic Church’s Response in Contemporary Zambia
No full textThis study investigated the influence of Bemba Traditional Religious belief in mystical powers on Bemba Catholics, its implication for faith and the Catholic Church’s response in Mpika District of Zambia in contemporary times. Bemba Catholics have continued to cling to their belief in mystical powers despite the intensity of Catholic missionary evangelisation efforts in Mpika district. A descriptive case study design under the qualitative research method, and in-depth interviews, observation and focus group discussions to collect data were employed in this study. Data was analysed through the thematic framework. Lay Bemba Catholics, priests and community traditional leaders comprised the study population. A homogenous purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. It was established in this study that the belief in mystical powers influenced Bemba Catholics to create a worldview that everything that happened in life had its source in the supernatural or the manifestations of these powers. The belief influenced their perception of reality and behaviour; to suspect, use and practise witchcraft, divination, magic, consult with traditional witchdoctors, use traditional medicine, perform rituals and others. The local Catholic Church was involved in sensitisation, dialogue and inculturation to respond to the problem of its Bemba Catholics’ belief in the mystical powers of the Bemba cosmology. It has been recommended that the Catholic Church approaches Bemba Catholics’ embracement of religious worldviews with prudence as it extends the recognition, preservation and promotion of the good things found in the cosmology of mystical powers and engages in mutual dialogue and collaboration with Bemba Catholics embracing dual religiosity exhibited in their belief in mystical powers
Navigating Moral Dilemmas Using African Indigenous Ethics: Students’ Experiences in Higher Learning Institutions in Contemporary Zambia
No full textThis study aimed to explore how students in higher learning institutions navigate moral dilemmas by utilising African Indigenous Ethics (AIE) and their experiences. Guided by “African relational and Ubuntu moral theories” and “cultural ethical theories”, the study examined the different types of moral dilemmas that arose in such institutions and sought to identify gaps in using AIE and establish means to bridge them to better support students in upholding their moral values and beliefs. This research aimed to provide insights into how best to help students in institutions of higher learning as they navigate moral problems and maintain their values and values by incorporating AIE based on their experiences of using AIE. The study has shown that students face a multifaceted moral dilemma, and cultures significantly influence ethical decision-making in college or university when faced with a moral dilemma. The students have found AIE effective and efficient in dealing with moral dilemmas and still influencing students’ decision-making even in the modern era. Several influences, including social media, family backgrounds, economic status, and academic performance expectations, greatly affect the moral conduct of young individuals, often leading to conflicts with their cultural and ethical values. These findings underscore the importance of cultural differences in shaping students’ ethical perspectives and accentuate the necessity for educators and institutions to acknowledge these differences when addressing moral behaviours. Due to some inefficiencies of AIE in dealing with moral dilemmas, the study has recommended its integration with other moral sources for effective and sustainable moral decision-making during moral dilemmas
The Naming of Zambia's Waterfalls: A Test Case in Critical Toponymy
Full text linkIt has been claimed that the indigenous names of waterfalls were frequently replaced by European names. This critical toponymic claim is challenged in a test case investigating the names of Zambian waterfalls. The research was undertaken in three parts. First, a quantitative study showed that 97 per cent of 150 named waterfalls have indigenous rather than colonial names. Second, the colonial practices and policies that ensured that Zambian waterfalls retained their indigenous names were traced through contemporary documents. Third, the naming motives of 99 waterfalls were examined through a toponymic typology to reveal how the indigenous names reflect aspects of indigenous culture that are in danger of being marginalised or lost. The results refute the critical hypothesis of toponymic silencing and establish an evidence- based narrative of a colonial policy that ensured that the indigenous names of waterfalls were retained. European names were adopted only if an indigenous name could not be identified
The Resemiotisation and Intertextuality of Multimodal Discourses in Linguistic Landscape of Public Service Vehicles in Lusaka, Zambia
Full text linkUsing resemiotisation and intertextuality as analytical tools in the broader theoretical conexts of linguistic landscapes and semiotic studies, this article accounts for the diverse and heavily saturated multimodal discourses emplaced on public service vehicles in Lusaka, Zambia (South-Central Africa). As its locus, the study wishes to to unearth the textual and sociocultural sources of emplaced discourses privileging local materialities, agency, and voice. To this end, the article reveals that the multimodal discourses on public service vehicles bring religion into the spotlight, particularly Christianity, as a sociocultural reality of social actors. It is shown that the emplaced multimodal discourses are inescapably related to other texts and narratives predominantly associated with Zambias’ christian religious underpinnings. In this way, the article concludes that resemiotisation and intertextuality are at play in the textual trajectory of discourses seen on public service vehicles in Lusaka, Zambia
Factors Influencing the Selection of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine as a Preferred Programme of Study among the University of Zambia Veterinary Students, Zambia
Full text linkCareer selection is a very crucial and critical stage in one's life, it demands consideration of many factors. In the past making career choices was not difficult and dependent on family background, which could have led to job dissatisfaction. Making a career choice in veterinary medicine was more challenging because veterinary medicine was considered a masculine job and thus discriminated against women. However, veterinary medicine now offers multifaceted career prospects that cut across gender and race. This study was aimed at identifying factors that influenced enrolled veterinary students at the University of Zambia students in selecting the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) as the preferred program of study; and to asses the challenges faced by the students. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among veterinary students from 2nd to 6th (final) year students regardless of age or gender. A total of 145 students were enrolled and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to collect demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors hypothesized to influence selection of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine as the program of choice. Data was summarised into proportions and presented in percentages. A total of 135 participants completed the questionnaire in full, with 51% of respondents being females. Several factors were observed to have influenced career choice among the veterinary students, however, majority (46%; 62/135) of students indicated that they were personally interested in the programme and loved working with animals. It was further noted that parents and friends were the main source of information regarding the BVM programme, indicating the need for the University to provide complete information to prospective students so that they can make informed decisions. Workload was the was the major challenge the students indicated in their pursuit of the degree. The study findings indicate the University of Zambia needs to device ways to communicate to prospective students to ensure that they have complete and current information on programmes on offer to avoid misinformation which is likely among peers and if coming from uniformed third parties. The findings also agree with literature indicating work overload as one of the challenges veterinary students face in their pursuit for the degree
Editorial: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Public Health and Sustainable Development
Full text linkSustainable development and public health are inherently complex challenges that require interdisciplinary collaboration. This editorial highlights four recent studies that exemplify the critical role of interdisciplinary research. These studies address key issues in malaria control, aquaculture management, veterinary education, and zoonotic diseases. They provide valuable insights into how integrated approaches can advance both economic and public health objectives
Sweet but Toxic: Organophosphate Pesticide Residues in Nigerian Honey as an Emerging Threat to Food Safety and Agriculture
Full text linkHoney, despite its nutritional and therapeutic properties, can pose significant risks to environmental health and food safety due to the presence of contaminants. This study investigated the occurrence of organophosphate pesticide residues in honey samples collected from hard-to-reach apiaries in Nigeria and examined the relationship between these residues, honey purity, and nutritional composition. Multiple organophosphate residues were detected using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, with dimethoate and merphor being the most prevalent. Although all detected concentrations were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), some values, particularly dimethoate from Imosan, approached the regulatory thresholds. Nutritional analysis revealed that the protein, moisture, ash, and sugar contents of the honey samples generally fell within international quality standards. Statistical correlations indicated strong associations between honey purity and pesticide residues, as well as with moisture and dry matter content. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in apicultural products and highlights potential implications for food safety and public health
A Case Report of Argulosis at a Recreational Fishing Dam in Lusaka, Zambia
Full text linkThis study reports the first confirmed outbreak of argulosis in Zambia, involving multiple fish species at a recreational fishing dam in Lusaka. Argulus spp. (fish lice), ectoparasitic crustaceans known for their broad host range and pathogenicity, were identified as the causative agents. Six fish species, both indigenous and introduced, exhibited clinical signs such as erratic swimming and surface rubbing, with post-mortem examinations revealing characteristic lesions including skin ulcers and parasite-laden gills. Morphological analysis confirmed the presence of Argulus spp. Environmental stressors, high fish stocking densities, and unregulated fish transfers were identified as potential drivers of the outbreak. The findings highlight the growing risk of parasite emergence in managed aquatic systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations include enhancing biosecurity, routine surveillance, rapid response protocols, public awareness, and targeted research to mitigate future outbreaks and safeguard fish health and biodiversity
Water Characteristics, Pollution Status and Its Implication on Tropical Suburb River, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
No full textWater is a vital resource essential for sustaining life and maintaining healthy ecosystems; however, it is increasingly threatened by pollution, which compromises water quality, disrupts aquatic environments, endangers aquatic organisms, and poses serious health risks to humans who rely on contaminated water sources. The study aimed to assess the physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal accumulation in the Ome River, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria considering the river socio-economic factors to Ago – Iwoye and its environs. Five locations were picked along the river course for water physico-chemical parameters (which were measured in-situ using digital water testing meter probe), and heavy metal content using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results showed pH to be slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.71 - 7.96, while dissolved Oxygen, total dissolved solids, Oxygen reduction potential, electrical conductivity and temperature ranged from 12.87 - 18.00 mgl-1, 264.25 - 293.50 ppm, 243.00 - 317.67 mV, 459.50 - 501.75 µS/cm and 29.50°C - 29.75°C respectively. Heavy metals concentration showed iron ranges between 0.05 and 0.36 mgkg-1, lead ranges between 0.03 and 0.16 mgkg-1, copper ranges between 0.05 and 0.18 mgkg-1 and zinc ranges between 1.14 and 1.28 mgkg-1. The findings proved that most physico-chemical parameters of the river water are within acceptable limits, indicating good water quality. However, the presence of lead and other heavy metals, though at little concentration, raises concerns about potential environmental risks. Continuous monitoring is recommended to prevent rising contamination levels and to ensure the long-term health of the river's ecosystem