adminSwagga T
It is two months since Anthony Mpala was elected Zimbabwe’s Child Vice President. The outspoken 17-year-old, who was nominated for the post because of his intelligence and creativity, said he was the solution to child development issues. “Firstly, I want to work on child bullying in schools as it is an issue which is causing a lot of children to lose confidence. Zimbabwe is blessed with talented children to the extent that given an opportunity, they can develop the nation,” he said.
Mpala, who is a student at Gateway High School, was shocked many when he was elected Vice President.
“I have lost some of my friends because of my new post, but I don’t regret it because I am a man on a mission, fighting bad morals,” he said.
Mpala said the main reason he wanted to be the Vice President was to help the senior Government with ideas.
“It might be a joke or what, but I used to chat with my mother when I saw children being affected by different issues and would try to find solutions. However, I’m now in a position together with other Junior Parliamentarians to come up with ways to solve those problems,” he said.
Mpala, who is reserved, said he was still the boy next door.
“I am the Child Vice President who is guided by principles, a leader and a role model. It is my duty that I always do the right thing at the right time. As a leader, a lot is expected of me. Another reason I lost some friends is because they thought I was now untouchable, but I am still the same, the person you met in May before being in Parliament,” he said.
Mpala, a Lower Sixth student studying Accounts, Business Studies and Computing, said he wants to be a billionaire.
“I want to own the world. I want to be a billionaire when I finish school and this can be achieved by working hard and business management. Apart from that I want to be a banker,” he said.
The Child Vice President, in line with this year’s theme, “Eliminating Harmful, Social and Cultural Practices affecting Children: Our Collective Responsibility”, said he was committed to the Junior Cabinet to ensure children issues are heard and solved.
“We are tired of hearing that children are facing a lot of problems. My special concern on this are the solutions. As child leaders we are the stepping stone to the senior Parliament where we present our issues and get solutions so that we pave way for the next leaders who will work on a different note,” said Mpala.
He said he was working with Child President Ntandoyenkosi Moyo to ensure that their Government focuses on the prevention of harmful practices which prevent children from enjoying their rights.
With such great minds Mpala, who obtained six As and two Cs during his Ordinary Level exams, said he was planning on a Walk-a-Child campaign as his first project.
“The first weeks we have been adapting to our new posts, but now we are geared to work for the betterment of our nation. I want to start a project called Walk-a-Child which will curb accidents. I want to promote love among the youths as it begins with us.
“Isn’t it nice to see a 17-year-old boy or girl holding hands with an eight-year-old boy or girl on the road? If this is achieved cases of bullying, accidents and child trafficking will be less,” he said.
Mpala, the second born in a family of three, said he enjoys athletics, singing and reading.
“My role model is President Mugabe. I adore the man very much because of his intellect and great innovative ideas. He stands tall and firm on his views. He is a great leader and youths should emulate him. I love music and motivational books as they provoke my thinking sometimes,” he said.
“I love food, but my favourite is pizza. I also find time with friends to hang around, watch a movie and have ice cream,” said the Gateway student.
Mpala, who is fluent in English, Shona and Russian, describes himself as friendly.
Online Reporter