Nortec College management has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding payments made to students who participated in activities during a presidential visit to Kitwe, stating that the allowances were part of logistical arrangements rather than improper financial conduct.
The institution’s principal explained that students who travelled to welcome President Hakainde Hichilema received funds intended to cover meals and basic participation costs. According to the college leadership, the payments were not unusual within the context of organised events that involve movement of learners outside regular academic schedules. The explanation followed growing public attention over how students were mobilised and whether institutional resources had been used appropriately.
College officials indicated that the decision to provide allowances came after coordination between organisers and administrators to ensure that participating students were supported throughout the day. Management maintained that the payments were limited in scope and tied directly to attendance at the event. The principal said records were kept to account for distribution and insisted that procedures were followed.
The Kitwe visit formed part of wider engagements highlighting education initiatives and youth-focused programmes. Students from various institutions gathered along designated routes, with organisers arranging transport and coordination through local structures. Nortec’s involvement drew particular focus after questions emerged about how students were selected and whether participation had been voluntary.
Within the college community, some students described the allowances as routine facilitation for travel and meals, while others said the attention surrounding the issue had overshadowed the educational environment. Lecturers and staff urged students to remain focused on academic responsibilities, noting that the institution’s primary mandate remains training and technical development.
Public discussion around the payments has taken place alongside broader conversations about youth participation in political events. Education institutions often face scrutiny when students appear in large numbers during national engagements, particularly when allowances are involved. The principal emphasised that Nortec’s role was administrative rather than political, stating that the college’s responsibility was to ensure student welfare during organised activities.
The clarification also addressed claims that the funds were distributed unevenly. Management said allowances were standardised for all participants and that no student received preferential treatment. Officials added that institutional oversight mechanisms were applied to monitor the process, describing the payments as transparent and documented.
Parents and guardians contacted by the college expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed the support provided to students during travel, while others said educational institutions should remain cautious when engaging in activities connected to political figures. College leadership responded by reiterating that the event had been framed as an opportunity for learners to witness national leadership engagements linked to education policy.
Across Zambia’s education sector, interactions between students and national programmes continue to generate attention, particularly when they involve public appearances by senior officials. Institutions often find themselves balancing logistical support with the need to maintain neutrality, especially when student participation intersects with broader national messaging.
Nortec management said it remains committed to transparency and has encouraged anyone with concerns to seek clarification through official channels. The college continues to operate under existing education guidelines, with administrators focusing on maintaining a stable learning environment while addressing questions raised by the public.
So ati Muli Salt Sana! Students being paid to attend a political gathering? Awe I have no lawyer for now
Kikikikiki so they were paid to attend a political gathering….and when incumbent loses elections he shouldn’t complain because he’s now fooling himself with paid crowds…so i go there tomorrow with money the same crowd will turn out in numbers
Corruption Corruption Corruption but ACC won’t investigate unless the Nortec principal was Kambwili
Common sense. So you wanted the students representing the college to go on foot and wallow in and with in Kitwe?
We said this was a staged event. Here is the proof.
And these youngsters are headless chickens. I was at Kabwe trades in the 70s and we were not so manipulable.
This story is written so cowardly it is scared of quoting any individual.
It keeps saying “According to the college leadership,”
Who are these? It looks like this reporter made a pact not to reveal them. Fred Mmembe, please restart your Post. We can get investors who are interested in free speech
dont fret there is still a good chance he is being replaced
No I didn’t want any students to represent the college. What for? They didn’t go to college to represent parties. Those who wanted to go should have found their own transport or gone on foot and wallowed in and with in Kitwe.