Citizen and Zambian Citizenship

Join in as we delve into what it takes to be or become a Zambian Citizenship. A citizen is any person who is a member of a country and enjoys all the freedoms and privileges of that country.

The Constitution of Zambia defines ways in which a person can qualify to be a Zambian citizen:

Qualifications for Zambian Citizenship

Birth: If you were born in Zambia and at least one of your parents is a Zambian.

Descent: If you were born outside Zambia, but at least one of your parents is a Zambian.

Registration: Anyone above 18 years of age, and who has lived in Zambia continuously (without leaving) for 10 years or more, can apply to the Citizenship Board of Zambia to become a citizen. This process is called naturalization.
Adoption: A child who is not a citizen but is adopted by a citizen automatically becomes a citizen of the country.

• Zambian citizens have to apply for a National Registration Card when they are 16 years old at the Citizenship Board of Zambia, which is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The card is used for identification in business and official matters.
• Zambians also have the freedom to become citizens of a second country. Such citizens are referred to as having dual citizenship.

Qualities of a good citizen

•Good citizenship involves more than just a sense of pride.
•Good citizens also have qualities such as:
•Loyalty to their country
•Honesty and integrity
•A sense of patriotism
•Respect for human rights.

Rights, duties and responsibilities of Zambian citizens

All Zambian citizens have rights.

• Our rights are things we can claim that no one can take away from us.
• We only enjoy our rights as long as they do not violate or affect the rights of others.

• The rights outlined in the Zambian Constitution include:
• The right to life
• The right to education
• The right to participate in the political affairs of the country
• The right to freedom of expression
• The right to freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion
• The right to use the language and participate in the cultural life of that person’s choice
• The right to employment and fair labour practices
• The right to marry and start a family
• The right to a quick and fair trial in a court of law
• The right to clean and healthy living environment.

Note:

•Any foreign person who is seeking a place of safety or protection in Zambia is a refugee or asylum seeker.
•Although asylum seekers are not Zambian citizens, they are also entitled to protection.
•A refugee or asylum seeker has the right not to be returned to his or her country or to any other country if they have a genuine fear that they will be persecuted.

Duties

• While Zambian citizens have many rights that are protected by the constitution, they also have duties and responsibilities.

Our duties include:

• Upholding the Constitution and obeying any other laws of the country
• Contributing to the welfare and advancement of the nation by paying taxes due to the state
• Protecting the environment and using natural resources in a sustainable manner
• Providing defense and military service when called upon from both internal and external enemies
• Protecting and safeguarding public property from vandalism, theft and fraud
• Registering and voting in nation and local elections
• Being patriotic and loyal to a country by refraining from the act of espionage, and instead of enhancing its development and good image
• Contributing to the welfare and advancement of the community where they live
• Co-operating with the law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, for example by reporting crime
• Working for national unity and living in harmony with others
• Promoting and respecting the rights and freedoms of fellow citizens, while being just and tolerant with those who have opposing views

As a Zambian citizen, you have the responsibility to respect the rights of others and to fulfill our duties as citizens in our personal lives, within our families and in our communities.

 Though responsible behavior and hard work, we can all help to build a country that we can be proud of.

Revision Questions

1. In your own understanding who is a citizen?
2. Suggest what you think should be the rights of Zambian citizens
3. What are your responsibilities as a citizen of your community?
4. How do these responsibilities contribute to the development of Zambia/
5. Why should a citizen of Zambia pay taxes willingly? Give reasons for your answer.
6. ‘Zambia should not give citizenship to aliens’. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer