Chalo Chatu:Notability Criteria
This page outlines the notability standards used on Chalo Chatu to determine whether a topic merits its own article. The purpose is to ensure that entries reflect Zambia’s heritage, institutions, events, and people through verifiable and enduring records.
General Notability Guideline
A topic is notable when it has received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources. Coverage must go beyond trivial mentions and must demonstrate lasting relevance.
Reliable sources include:
- Books, academic publications, and scholarly journals
- National and local newspapers
- Government reports and official records
- Documented historical archives
- Reputable media and broadcast outlets
- Publications from recognised institutions and organisations
Self-published sources, personal blogs, and promotional material do not establish notability.
People
A person is notable if they meet at least one of the following:
- Held a national, provincial, district, or traditional leadership position
- Made a significant contribution in politics, military, education, arts, science, sports, religion, or public service
- Received national or internationally recognised awards or honours
- Played a pivotal role in an event of historical, cultural, or public significance
- Produced works or achievements widely covered by independent and reliable sources
Organisations
Organisations are notable if:
- They are legally registered and active in Zambia
- They have measurable impact in education, health, agriculture, commerce, culture, or civil society
- They are referenced by reputable media or official reports
- They have operated for a sustained period and contributed to national or community development
Educational Institutions
Educational institutions qualify when they meet one or more of the following:
- Public or private schools recognised by the Ministry of Education
- Higher learning institutions registered with relevant authorities
- Institutions with documented historical significance or community impact
- Schools notable for major events, notable alumni, programs, or achievements
Places and Geography
Places qualify if they hold one or more of the following:
- Administrative, historical, cultural, economic, or environmental importance
- A role in national development, heritage, or community identity
- Coverage in official records, historical texts, or established media
This includes towns, districts, natural landmarks, protected areas, buildings, and infrastructure.
Events
An event is notable if:
- It has national or regional impact
- It is widely covered by reputable media or historical documentation
- It influenced politics, society, culture, economics, or national development
- It is part of Zambia’s collective memory or historical timeline
Works (Books, Films, Music, Art)
A creative work is notable if:
- It has received independent critical attention
- It has been reviewed or documented by established media or academic sources
- It made an impact on Zambian culture, education, or public discourse
Avoiding Promotional Content
Articles must not exist solely to promote individuals, businesses, events, or products. Notability must be based on independent recognition, not self-promotion or paid media.
Verifiability
Every notable topic must be supported by verifiable and traceable references. Unsourced or poorly sourced claims may be removed.
Notability Is Not Temporary
Short-lived fame, internet trends, or isolated news mentions do not establish notability. The topic must demonstrate consistent, lasting significance.
Final Determination
When doubt exists, editors use consensus, reliable sourcing, and community judgment to determine whether a topic aligns with the mission to document Zambia’s history and heritage.
Social Media Content (Facebook and Other Platforms)
Social media posts, including Facebook stories, only contribute to notability when they meet the following conditions:
- The content originates from an official government account, verified public office, or recognised institution.
- The information has been acknowledged, cited, or reported by reliable independent sources.
- The post is linked to an event, announcement, or action of national or public significance.
- The story has resulted in documented public impact, policy discussion, media coverage, or formal government response.
Social media posts created by private individuals, unverified pages, or partisan accounts do not establish notability on their own.
