Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
SITHELO Dube, a junior parliamentarian representing Gwanda Tshitaudze Constituency and serving as Minister of State for Matabeleland South, has outlined her ambitious goals for her term. Her key focus is empowering youth to become ambassadors against drug and substance abuse.
Dube was elected Child Parliamentarian in July after overcoming stiff competition from pupils from different schools. The pupils prepared speeches under the theme “Education for all children in Africa”.
To prepare her speech, Dube conducted research on issues related to the accessibility of education, focusing on the challenges faced by learners in Gwanda. Following the inauguration of the Junior Parliament in Harare, Dube was appointed Matabeleland South Junior Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
Dube said among the issues she intends to address during her term is illegal mining, which she said has ensnared school children.
“Gwanda is a mining town and we have children as young as 13 involved in illegal mining. Some of these children are being exploited as cheap labour in the mines and many have dropped out of school to become gold panners. The lives of these children are being destroyed at a tender age. If nothing is done, we will lose our future leaders.
“There is also a problem of drug and substance abuse, which is ruining the lives of young people. Many youngsters with great potential have thrown their futures away due to the influence of drugs and substance abuse. I wish to see youngsters taking the lead in the fight against drug abuse. If we engage as peers on this matter, we can surely bring about change,” she said.
Dube also aims to address the issue of period poverty, which affects children in both rural and urban areas. She noted that many children miss school because they lack sanitary wear, which remains out of reach for many.
Additionally, Dube highlighted the need for improved learning conditions for pupils. She pointed out that shortages of furniture, learning space, stationery, long distances travelled to and from school, limited water supply and lack of access to ICT continue to hinder the learning process, especially for rural learners.
Dube expressed her desire to facilitate change and create a conducive environment for children and youths across all sectors in Matabeleland South. She also aims to influence behaviour change among youngsters.
“The number one role I have as a Junior Parliamentarian and Junior Minister is to amplify the voices of my peers who voted me into power. I have a duty to represent not only the young but also the community of Matabeleland South in Parliament.
“Being a Minister of State means that every child in Matabeleland South is my responsibility. I have to ensure that their rights and concerns are prioritised.
“Just as adult Parliamentarians are a voice for the masses who cannot all gather at Parliament, I have to ensure that the Government is aware of the concerns and challenges of young people in Matabeleland South.
“At the same time, I wish to bring youngsters on board so that they understand that they also have a role to play in ensuring their empowerment and development,” she said.
Dube, a Lower Sixth student at Gwanda High School, was born in Umzingwane District. She completed her primary education at St Christopher in Gwanda and attended Mtshabezi High School for her Form One to Four before moving to Gwanda High School for her A-levels.
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