adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO Province has retained the child presidency after Nhlanhla Moyo, a Hamilton High School pupil outsmarted nine contenders from other provinces in national competitions.The junior parliamentarians’ elections were held last Thursday in Harare where pupils clashed in debate competitions to elect junior legislators and child president.
Moyo, 19, from Westgate takes over from Ntandoyenkosi Moyo from Milton High School whose term ended last week. His one year term will end on June, 16, next year when the country celebrates the Day of the African Child.
Moyo could not hide his joy for landing the prestigious post saying his passion to represent other children was influenced by his family background.
“I come from a poor background and this drove me to seek to represent other children. I’ve always told my friends that my money is in my mouth and will do so through articulating issues,” he told Chronicle.
Moyo said being part of the junior parliament was an honour for him saying junior parliamentarians were “the voice of the voiceless”. On whether his new appointment would not interfere with his school work, the eloquent lad responded: “If I’m to lead, I’ve to lead from the front. This will drive me to study harder and it will affect me in a positive way”.
Moyo, a Lower Sixth pupil studying Geography, Literature in English and History said the junior parliament takes the concerns of children seriously and would work to address them.
“We want disabled children to share the same schools with able-bodied children so that the issue of stigma can be dealt with. We can’t dispute that we discriminate those with various disabilities. If we compete with them in schools, they can earn their respect,” he said.
Moyo reiterated President Mugabe’s remarks that vocational training was essential for schools as most youths lack practical life skills.
Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) Bulawayo manager Ruth Ncube said Moyo’s child presidency was a welcome move as it would bring development in the city.
“In as much the city is lagging behind on other aspects of development this will bring developmental programmes to Matabeleland region,” said Ncube.
derick.khumalo