THREE Zambian Human Rights and Social Justice Activists and Movements were among the recipients of the prestigious continent Activism awards organized by a Pan African Movement, Africans Rising.
The awards are designed to appreciate activism works and efforts Activists and Movements across the continent do in the area of justice, peace, dignity and development in their respective countries.
The Activists and Movements were honoured at a glamorous gala night held at the Hill View Guest Center, Accra, Ghana over the weekend. The awards were part of the 2024 All-Africa Movements Assembly that started on August, 29 to August, 31.
The three Zambian Activists and Movements are Mwiza Zulu who emerged winner in the 2024 Artistic Activist of the Year category for her unwavering commitment to social justice and advocating for positive change in society, Samuel Mwami Kabungo emerged first runner-up in the 2024 Activist of the Year category for his courage and inspiration to get involved in political process and work towards creating a better future for communities.
The other is the Zambia Malaria Youth Corps which was present the second runner-up award in the 2023 Movement of the Year category for its community sensitization efforts to help eradicate malaria and institution representative, Justin Mumba received the award.
Other winners were the 2024 Movement of the year award which went to Hand in Hand movement of Cameroon, while the first runner up went to Equal Education Movement of South Africa and in the second runner up went Sanitized Communities Konnect Foundation from Ghana.
Blanchard Bosey and Schela Mutaka of Democratic Republic of Congo received first and second runner-ups awards respectively in the Artistic Activist award.
In the Activist award the winner was Seth Tsongo of DRC while the Adel Azouni fromTunisa got the second runner-up slot.
The awards ceremony also saw the awarding of the 2023 activists and movements’ winners.
The awards were spiced up with musical and poetic performances by artists from different parts of the continent. Among was Felicity Asiibi and Monica Bene Mutumi with poetic displays while Sister LB, Ghana Dance Ensemble and Mwiza Zulu slammed the musical jams.
Adding colour to the event was the African traditional outfits clad by the guests that showcased the rich cultural heritage Africa has. Also Zambia’s celebrated Songbird Wezi performed a captivating song titled “Lead with Love” that reminds political leaders to govern with integrity and remember the people they serve during the plenaries of the AAMA.
Meanwhile, Africans Rising has launched the Pan-Africa Solidarity Network aimed at moblising movements across Africa and beyond to offer solidarity for each other in time of need such as violation to human rights.
The network was launched during the just ended second edition of the AAMA in Accra.
During the launch, Africans Rising Coordinator, Hardi Yakubu, outlined the importance of the network saying it is a unifying factor for movements to come together for a common cause that of saving humanity.
He said the movements across African continent and beyond are expected to stand for each other in times of difficulties such as injustices. He added that movements should be ready to assist other movements in need and advised not to ignored the call because they are in solidarity together.
The network is expected to formulate guidelines that will be followed when moblising movements from different countries for a common goal and stand as one.
And during the discussions, Movements on the continent and the diaspora agreed to remain focused and united in order to speak with one voice and achieve their set objectives. Furthermore, it was stated that movements should be each other’s keepers by monitoring what is happening in other countries so that there is quick intervention in case of oppression or in case of an uprising in a particular nation.
Also as part of oneness in solidarity, participants came together to remember and celebrate fallen heroes and colleagues who died during the fight for their human and civic rights. The vigil night was full of nothing but solemn and solidarity songs and reflective speeches from activists who have been affected by the oppressions, civil wars, and injustices.
Also many of the discussions during the Assembly centred on the need to enhance and advocate for ethical governance system with a more organised political system on the continent, public participation in matters that concern them and encourage civic education especially on the electoral process with more emphasis on human rights advocacy.