UNIVERSITY of Zambia student leader Inonge Kapya, widely known as Nono the Strategist, has entered the race for the University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) presidency as the only female candidate on this year’s ballot.
Kapya, who previously served as Secretary General of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences Association and is currently the UNZA Innovation Chairperson, has become the centre of attention in the student community for breaking into a contest largely dominated by male candidates.
In an interview with #Kalemba, Kapya said her candidacy represents more than just representation, describing it as an opportunity to demonstrate that leadership should not be limited by gender.
“Being the only female candidate is more than history in the making, it’s proof that leadership is not a gender, it’s a mindset,” Kapya told #Kalemba.
While women have in the past taken up various positions within UNZASU, the presidency has remained largely contested by men.
Very few women have previously contested for the presidency of the students’ union, despite UNZA having a student population of over 30,000.
During her time in student leadership, Kapya has been credited with resolving student welfare issues such as missing results and limited study hours, while also introducing the UNZA Innovation Challenge, which attracted nearly 100 submissions and secured support from external stakeholders.
The UNZASU elections set for next week Friday, are expected to draw significant interest from the student community and determine the next leadership team to represent students in negotiations with university management and external stakeholders.
If elected, Kapya would become one of the few women in UNZA’s history to in top students’ union positions considered highly influential in shaping student welfare and activism at Zambia’s largest university.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 24, 2025
