Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
THE Government, through local authorities, has intensified efforts to strengthen junior councillors’ programmes by incorporating dedicated budget allocations into council budgets to support youth led community initiatives.
The move is aimed at empowering junior councils and enhancing their role in community development in line with Vision 2030.
This emerged during the 2026 Junior Councillors Patrons and Focal Persons Strategic Planning and Capacity Building workshop held in Kadoma last week under the theme: “Youth Driven Governance — Benchmarking Service Delivery toward the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
The workshop brought together Government officials and local authority representatives, underscoring the importance of investing in young people, who constitute a significant share of Zimbabwe’s population and are the largest consumers of social services.
Speaking at the event, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga commended junior councillors and described the gathering as a key platform for shaping future leaders.
“This is not just a meeting but a critical engagement aimed at sharpening the very instruments of the nation’s future. It is a powerful testament to a shared belief and path to achieving the local authorities’ blueprint, National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), and a collective vision for 2030, which must be paved with the energy, innovation and leadership of our youth,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga said the Ministry’s Youth Desk, under the Department of Local Authorities, is conducting nationwide outreach programmes, including induction and capacity building initiatives, to equip junior councillors with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to execute their mandates effectively.
He urged local authorities that have not yet recruited and selected junior councillors to do so urgently.
“This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to standardise the operations of junior councillors, ensuring that they are adequately prepared to fulfil their roles and responsibilities,” he said.
The Deputy Minister called on councils to prioritise junior councillors’ programmes and ensure that young people have access to essential services and opportunities, particularly in health, recreation and skills development.
“To address the diverse socio-economic needs of our young people, I urge all local authorities to resuscitate and establish youth centres that provide youth-friendly services. These centres offer mentorship, career guidance and entrepreneurial development skills, among other services,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga added that the Government is rolling out the implementation of Minimum Service Delivery Standards to improve co-ordination and ensure high impact programming within local authorities.
“This provides strategies, measures and a framework for co-ordinated efforts in local authorities. When fully implemented, young people and communities will realise their potential and become globally competitive and prosperous,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga emphasised that the success of standardising junior councils in local Government structures depends on collective efforts, information sharing and adherence to sound operational guidelines.
The strengthening of junior councils forms part of broader efforts under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seeks to drive inclusive growth and empower citizens as Zimbabwe works toward attaining upper middle income status by 2030.
