We shall not legalise prostitution-Professor Nkandu Luo

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By Derrick Sinjela published on Monday 11^th July 2011

PROFESSOR Nkandu Luo, the Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection  has reiterated that sex work will not be legalised in Zambia as doing so would worsen the incidence of HIV/AIDS.

Prof Luo said one of the founders of “Tasinta Drop-in-Center for reformed prostitutes said that legalizing sex and generally speaking prostitution in Zambia would sanction increasing the prevalence rate of HIV infections.

Prof Luo said that instead of legalizing sex work, those agitating for such indiscriminate activities needed to economically empower young people attain independence.

“If sex work is legalised then the fight against HIV is in vain and HIV and AIDS related death will

rise. This would translate into less human resources to contributing to national development,” Prof  Luo pleaded.

Officiating at the just concluded Master Chimbala choreographed ‘Ready for Marriage (R4M)-Muvi Television s

ponsored grand finale at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Center last week Prof Luo distanced herself from calls to legalise prostitution.

“Young women are exceedingly vulnerable and faced with a lot of challenges t

hat lead them to prostitution. I remember that when we started the Tasinta programme, people thought that we were mad but it was a way of empowering former prostitutes with appropriate life-living skills that would empower them economically to gain financial independent. This is the reason, I am totally against unsubstantiated calls to legalize of sex work in our beautiful country. I feel young women should be empowered with different skills that will help them be sustain independent lifestyles than involve themselves in casual sex work,” Prof Luo protested.

R4M was a reality show on Steven Nyirenda’s MUVI TV meant for prostitute to reform and be empowered. The programme that was anchored and produced by Broadcaster

Chimbala came to an end last week after being on air for three months.

 

The program that attracted a lot of people’s attention saw one

contestant Precious Amukusana out of the 18 contestant walking away with the grand prize of 90 million kwacha.

Season 1 of the Ready for Marriage was conceived by the late Augustine Paul Lungu, who passed the mantled to Chimbala upon his demise.