By The EditorZambia
As Zambia heads toward the decisive August 13 polls, two simple but powerful phrases have come to define the political mood among the youths on the Copperbelt and across the nation. “Kwenyu” and “Salt Sana” are more than passing slang. They are expressions of approval, affirmation, and confidence in the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the direction in which he is steering the country.
“Kwenyu” originates from the Tonga language and literally means to mark, tick, or check. In everyday usage, it signifies that something has been done correctly or completed. Popularised in the political space by President Hichilema, the word has evolved into a symbolic ticking off of promises made and promises fulfilled. When young people shout “Kwenyu,” they are effectively saying that a commitment has been honoured, that progress has been registered, and that leadership has delivered. 
On the Copperbelt, affectionately known as Kopala, the slogan has found fertile ground. This is a region that has historically been politically vibrant and economically sensitive. For decades, economic downturns, mine closures, and job losses shaped the political temperament of the area. Today, the youth of the Copperbelt are embracing “Kwenyu” as a declaration that key issues are being addressed.
The justification for this enthusiasm lies in tangible policy shifts. Fertiliser prices have been reduced to K750 under government interventions, easing the burden on farmers and promoting food security. Mealie meal prices have been stabilised in part through interventions involving the Zambia National Service (ZNS). Free education has opened classroom doors to thousands of children who would otherwise have been excluded. Increased drug availability in hospitals is restoring confidence in public health facilities. Fuel prices have been adjusted downward, contributing to a lower cost of living and reduced cost of doing business.
Debt restructuring efforts have placed Zambia on a firmer financial footing after years of unsustainable borrowing. Load-shedding, once a crippling daily reality, has ended through strategic energy sector reforms and investment. The administration has also projected a stance of zero-tolerance toward corruption, reinforcing a culture of accountability. Compared to the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government, critics and supporters alike acknowledge that there is a distinct shift toward fiscal discipline, fewer foreign trips, and a deliberate attempt to rebuild international credibility.
Each of these milestones is, in the language of the youth, a tick on the board. Kwenyu.
Alongside this slogan has emerged another phrase that has captured the imagination of young people, particularly on the Copperbelt. “Salt Sana” or “Ni salt sana” is a vibrant expression, meaning something is impressive, sensible, or solid. While “sana” is a Swahili derived intensifier meaning very much, the slang use of “salt” suggests something that adds essential flavour and value, just as salt enhances a meal. So when young people say a policy or initiative is “salt sana,” they are declaring it legitimate and impactful.
The phrase gained viral traction following President Hichilema’s visit to the Copperbelt in February 2026, where it became intertwined with appreciation for initiatives such as free education and economic stabilisation. Spread through TikTok trends, music, and street conversations, “Salt Sana” has become shorthand for approval of what is perceived as practical governance.
Political history shows that memorable slogans often define eras and movements. In the United States, Barack Obama inspired millions with “Yes We Can” and “Change We Can Believe In,” phrases that encapsulated hope and renewal. Donald Trump energised his base with “Make America Great Again,” a call to restore perceived lost glory. Bill Clinton anchored his campaign around economic focus with the famous reminder that it is the economy that matters most. These slogans endured because they resonated with lived experiences and aspirations.
Similarly, “Kwenyu” and “Salt Sana” resonate because they are rooted in daily realities. They are not abstract promises but reactions to specific policies that have altered household economics, educational access, and public service delivery. They represent a generational endorsement expressed in a language that belongs to the youth themselves rather than imposed political jargon.
The Copperbelt youth, often regarded as kingmakers in national elections, are using their own vocabulary to signal satisfaction. In doing so, they are shaping a political narrative that is organic and culturally grounded. The adoption of local slang as national political currency underscores a broader shift toward participatory politics, where leaders and citizens engage on relatable terms.
As August 13 approaches, the symbolism of ticking the ballot paper takes on added meaning. “Kwenyu” becomes not only a commentary on past achievements but also a forward-looking declaration. It suggests continuity, consolidation, and confidence in ongoing reforms. When paired with the affirmation that current policies are “Salt Sana,” the message is clear. The youth see value, flavour, and substance in the present trajectory.
Political slogans alone do not win elections. Performance does. Yet when performance and messaging align as has been the case in President Hichilema’s leadership, the effect can be powerful. In this season of choice and reflection, the rallying cry from Kopala to Lusaka and beyond appears unmistakable.
It is Kwenyu all the way to August 13.
