“MY DOG IMPREGNATED MY NEIGHBOR’S DOG” – DR BRENDA BUKOWA LAMENTS ‘BEGGING CULTURE’ ON SOCIAL MEDIA By Francis Chipalo Academician and media guru Dr. Brenda Bukowa has gone viral after calling out what she describes as an unhealthy “begging culture” on social media, saying it is making people scared to even check up on friends. […]

“MY DOG IMPREGNATED MY NEIGHBOR’S DOG” – DR BRENDA BUKOWA LAMENTS ‘BEGGING CULTURE’ ON SOCIAL MEDIA

By Francis Chipalo

Academician and media guru Dr. Brenda Bukowa has gone viral after calling out what she describes as an unhealthy “begging culture” on social media, saying it is making people scared to even check up on friends.

In a Facebook post that has sparked laughter and debate, Dr. Bukowa said many people are afraid to greet others because a simple “hello” often turns into a request for money.

“Sometimes people are scared to check up on you because you beg too much,”she wrote.

“People can’t just greet you with a simple ‘hello’ ninshi, you have started explaining your problems; ‘my grandfather in the village swallowed a razor blade so I need money’; ‘I haven’t eaten since November last year’; ‘my relative who died in 1973 has died again so I need assistance’; ‘my dog impregnated my neighbor’s dog so we need to go to the clinic’…..huh nobantu!”

The post drew reactions, with Zambians sharing similar experiences of receiving unusual requests after a casual greeting.

Dr. Bukowa, however, said her message was not to dismiss genuine struggles, but to encourage people to learn boundaries in how they relate to others.

“Listen, sometimes respect comes from us knowing when and how to behave towards people,”she added.

The post has since ignited conversations online about friendship, respect, and the right way to ask for help without making people uncomfortable.

Dr. Bukowa has in recent weeks gained recognition due to her unique style of commenting on social issues affecting Zambians.