As the commemoration of the international women’s day approaches on March 8th, 2020, it is worth celebrating the role women have continued to play in developing the nation and the world at large. The University of Zambia – UNZA as one of the highest institution of learning in Zambia has again recognized a outstanding woman.
The UNZA Council has appointed Dr. Tamara Kambikambi as Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) replacing Prof. Enala Tembo Mwase whose term of office came to an end on 28th February 2020, after serving the institution for seven years in her capacity as DVC and (VC) for a one year period between June 2015 and June 2016.
Dr. Kambikambi holds a PhD in Agronomy from UNZA (2015). She also holds a Masters and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science both obtained from the University of Zambia. Dr. Kambikambi started her career in academia in 1996, at the University of Zambia, rising through the ranks to Senior Lecturer level.
In an exclusive interview with Zambian business times- ZBT, on February 3rd 2020 at the University of Zambia, Dr Kambikambi expressed gratitude to the University for giving her a rare appointment for the women folk. She pledged to work hard and smart to effectively contribute to the highest learning institution in Zambia and called for collaboration with both men and women.
“In this world, we were made male and female, that means we need to work together. But I think what we need to do as women, is to stop second guessing ourselves and always being in doubt, we need to be assertive, but to be assertive, it means you need to be prepared”.
I went to a rural secondary school, Chinsali girls secondary, and I stand here today as a deputy vice Chancellor of UNZA, if I could come from Chinsali to come and be here, I don’t see why any of the girls from Kambopo, Chadiza etc cannot do that, but also the boy child, lets not leave them out in developing this nation.
She left UNZA and went to serve as DVC at Cavendish University from 2018 to February 1st 2020. Prior to joining the University of Zambia, Dr. Kambikambi worked in the private sector. Dr. Kambikambi has served in various public service roles including Board Chairperson of the Zambia National Women’s Lobby and as Chairperson of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Dr. Kambikambi has also served before as the Trustee of the University of Zambia Lecturer’s and Research’s Union (UNZALARU).
Meanwhile, University of Zambia Caretaker Committee of Council Chairperson, Ms Namucana Musiwa has congratulated Dr. Kambikambi on her well-deserved appointment as DVC. Musiwa said that Dr. Kambikambi joins the University of Zambia at a critical stage when UNZA is undergoing transformation and is confident that she will effectively contribute to this transformation and add value.
She added that “with her vast experience spanning over thirty (30) years, gained in both the private and public sector, Dr. Kambikambi joins the University at an opportune time to enhance the efforts that the senior management team is making”.
And University of Zambia Vice Chancellor – VC, Prof. Luke Mumba has also congratulated and welcomed Dr. Kambikambi to the University Zambia as DVC. ‘‘We warmly welcome Dr. Kambikambi to the team.
We all look forward to working with her. Owing to her vast experience in running higher education institutions, we are very confident Dr. Kambikambi is a valuable addition to the University’s management team,’’ said the VC. Both the Council Chairperson and the Vice Chancellor have also thanked Prof. Enala Tembo Mwase for her many years of service to the University at management level.
