Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
JUNIOR councillors from Gwanda Municipality and Gwanda Rural District Council say they are ready to spearhead development initiatives in their communities, with a strong focus on empowering young people to take an active role in national development.
The junior councillors recently completed a two day induction programme, which concluded with the election of executive members for the two local authorities, with girls occupying most of the leadership positions.
Under Gwanda Municipality, Nicole Purazeni, a Form Three pupil from Gwanda High School, was elected junior mayor, while Thelma Moyo, an Advanced Level pupil from the same school, was chosen as deputy mayor. Henlyn Mnkandla, a Form Two learner from Gwanda Government School, was appointed town clerk, while Nkosizile Ncube, an A-level learner from Gwanda High School, became chamber secretary.
At Gwanda RDC, Nonhlanhla Nyathi, a Form Three learner from Lushongwe Secondary School, was elected junior council chairperson. Fortune Nyathi, a Form Three pupil at Mandihongola Secondary School, was chosen as vice chairperson, while Bianca Benzi, a Form Three learner from Mabheka Secondary School, was appointed chief executive officer.
Nonhlanhla Nyathi said the establishment of youth centres, particularly in rural areas, should be prioritised to address challenges faced by young people.
“One of the greatest challenges among young people is idleness, which sometimes leads to drug and substance abuse.
If we have youth centres, especially in rural communities, young people will be able to engage in productive activities,” she said.
Fortune Nyathi said there was also a need for programmes to provide bicycles for learners who walk long distances to school, adding that this could improve academic performance and reduce school dropouts.
Junior mayor Nicole Purazeni said young people must actively participate in development activities within their communities.
“Young people are the leaders of tomorrow and we need to start contributing to development today so that we can build a better future for ourselves and our communities,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Thelma Moyo said she hoped to champion initiatives aimed at empowering the girl child.
The induction programme equipped the junior councillors with leadership skills and an understanding of their roles. Gwanda Municipality has 12 junior councillors, while Gwanda RDC has 24.
Topics covered during the training included leadership qualities, ethics and etiquette, roles of council departments, the mandate of junior councils, conduct of meetings, drug and substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, HIV awareness, gender based violence and the use of technology.
The programme also aimed to ensure junior councillors understand the mandate, responsibilities and operations of local authorities while equipping them to address issues affecting young people.
Speaking during the induction ceremony, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works youth in local governance co-ordinator, Mr Stewart Maganyani, said junior councils play a crucial role in advancing the Government’s development agenda towards achieving an upper middle income economy by 2030.
The induction was held under the theme “Youth driven governance: Benchmarking service delivery towards the attainment of Vision 2030.”
Mr Maganyani said the junior council initiative is part of Government efforts to invest in young people who are the leaders of tomorrow.
“As junior councillors, you are carrying the name of your councils, districts, provinces and the nation at large. You are expected to conduct yourselves in an exemplary manner as leaders and Government agents. You are expected to contribute towards achieving the development and transformation envisioned under Vision 2030,” he said.
He added that the junior council programme promotes inclusive development by ensuring meaningful participation of young people in governance and community development.
— @DubeMatutu
