Cephas Shava
Mwenezi- “No society throughout history has realised her potential without the young men and women being in the forefront of development whether it is political, social, or economic “, echoed renowned top Kenyan lawyer Professor Patrick Lumumba during one of his presentations at the national youth round table forum organised by the Centre for Africa Volunteers.
Prof Lumumba further decried the reluctance of the current crop of youth in terms of politically advancing themselves implored them to stand up and emulate some historically celebrated career politicians who, owing to their commitment to political participation made remarkable achievements in transforming, in diverse ways, respective communities when they were still young.
The Professor’s sentiments are squarely apt for the Zimbabwean youth who despite being the majority have become political bystanders who seldom participate as votes or the ones voted for political offices.
Section 20(1) of the national constitution defines youth as people between the ages of 15 and 35 years. However, during election times very few real youth commit themselves to cast their votes or contest as councillors and or legislators.
A snap survey of Mwenezi’s incumbent elected political office holders reflects that though a few are facially youthful, legally they fell short from the youth category.
Mwenezi East interim Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) district chairperson George Makonzo said having already identified aspiring youth who are ready to contest all the political posts, as CCC they are certain that more young people are going to triumph come next year’s harmonized polls.
“In rural communities like Mwenezi it’s quite challenging for youthful women to contest on opposition ticket due to previous political violence. We are working on modalities to embolden our youth so that they feel free to contest any political post regardless of gender.
“Despite the past hostile political environment, I can safely tell you that so far we have got a number of youth who had assured the party that come next year’s elections they are ready to break from the past and contest as legislators as well as councillors. We are very sure that next year’s elections are a game changer for the youth,” said Makonzo.
Zanu PF provincial youth secretary for transport and welfare Maggie Sibanda told TellZim News that her party having so far mobilised several youth to be registered voters, she is optimistic the young people’s participation in the forthcoming elections is going to be inevitably remarkable.
“As you are also aware in the past youth have been reluctant to participate in elections hence as a party we have to embark on a vigorous mobilisation drive to ensure that all potential young voters get registered.
“In addition, we managed to sensitise the young from the far end of rural Mwenezi concerning the youth quota system and their response has been exceptional and a lot are showing interest in these coming elections not as voters per se but as candidates or front runners for political offices as well,” said Sibanda.
With almost all political parties at the forefront of claiming to champion youth cause their genuine commitment towards young people’s political upliftment will have its litmus test in the forthcoming harmonized elections.
