Government has refuted social media reports that it has approved the study of witchcraft at the University of Zambia.
Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya says government in collaboration with UNESCO has only introduced the study of Intangible Culture Heritage.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Ms. Siliya explained that the study of Intangible Culture will focus on the documentation and preservation of the Zambian culture.
Ms Siliya who is also the Minister of Information and Broadcasting stressed that the Zambian government cannot approve the study of harmful practices such as witchcraft.
She clarified that intangible culture study will focus on the things such as the Zambian proverbs, folk music and traditional ceremonies among others.
The recent media reports that UNESCO has given the University of Zambia USD 340,000 to develop a degree program to safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage has been received with mixed reactions.
Those that are against this study have argued that ICH comprises the study of witchcraft which they say is against the declarations of Zambia as a Christian nation.