malvernmugadzikwa
Youth Buzz
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
THE forthcoming August 23 harmonised elections have elicited excitement among the youth.
For the first time in the country’s history, young people below the age of 35 are guaranteed at least 10 seats in the National Assembly. This follows the introduction of the parliamentary youth quota two years ago.
Consequently, scores of young people have thrown their names in the hat and will contest for seats in the National Assembly and local authorities.
Among them is 28-year-old Brighton Mushekwa, who will stand in the Bikita West Ward 12 council election.
He emerged victorious in a field of veteran campaigners who contested the ZANU PF primary elections held in March, becoming one of the youngest cadres to represent the ruling party in next month’s polls.
Mushekwa is reaping a dividend from Government’s deliberate policy to on-board young people into leadership positions through affirmative action.
His story of hard work and community leadership provides inspiration for young people aspiring for political office.
Hailing from Vhiyai village, under Chief Mkanganwi, Mushekwa’s student activism and participation in community programmes heralded his entrance into politics.
His journey into politics dates back to 2015, when he was studying at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).
The then 20-year-old could not resist the allure of student activism, which led him to join the GZU chapter of the Zimbabwe Congress for Students Union (ZICOSU).
While studying at GZU, he initiated the establishment of the Risk Management and Insurance Association, a lobby organisation for students studying Risk Management and Insurance. It catapulted him into the spotlight.
His profile as a determined campaigner continued to grow.
He amplified his passion during vacations by participating in ZANU PF programmes back home in Bikita.
In 2017, he contested for a seat in the Students Representative Council and was voted transport minister.
During his final year at university in 2020, he was elected ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee secretary for youth affairs for Bikita district, a position he holds up to today.
As youth secretary, he oversees 42 wards in three constituencies — Bikita East, West and South.
His bid to represent ZANU PF in the forthcoming polls, he said, came with a lot of challenges.
There appeared to be consensus among the older generation of party cadres that he was not yet ready to take up office.
They assumed that given his age, he was not yet ready to take up the task, he said.
That he is still a bachelor only worked to heighten their fears.
“But due to my consistency in advocating development and the confidence people had in me, I remained resolute,” he continued.
“Also, my educational background helped me a lot because people in the community acknowledged that I had the necessary expertise.
“Also, I was never involved in any scandals, which sort of made me a role model for young people.
“This helped eliminate all the doubts people had about me and all the negativity that was being hurled at me.”
He is currently a member of the Bikita Ward 12 construction committee, responsible for party-led infrastructure development in the area.
Presently, the committee is leading the development of a community clinic.
Mushekwa has also facilitated tuition fee support for 30 local learners from a philanthropist.
“Young people should be consistent in whatever they do,” he advised.
“Also, they should participate in local developmental programmes. That will give you the necessary experience, and helps you gain trust from community elders.”
Mushekwa was born in a family of five and did his secondary education at Birivenge and Masvingo Christian high schools.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Risk Management and Insurance from GZU.
◆ Twitter: @BullaFatima
Online Reporter