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