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Rumbidzai Mushonga
Herald correspondent
Junior parliamentarians in Harare Metropolitan recently met with their Minister of State, Charles Tawengwa to discuss pressing issues and seek his support.
This was the first such gathering since the junior parliamentarians’ inauguration, providing a valuable opportunity for them to directly engage with Minister Tawengwa and voice their concerns.
According to the Junior Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan, Nannette Mazonde, the key issues raised included child marriages, drug abuse, and the lack of adequate resources for girls during menstruation.
“We have several issues to be addressed,” Mazonde stated, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.
She said the challenges faced by girls in her constituency, noting that many miss school due to the inability to afford proper menstrual products and she wanted Government and the corporates to support by providing reusable sanitary pads and tips on their use.
The junior minister of Information and Communication Technology, Christabel Bahera advocated for the expansion of vocational training centres to equip children with practical skills in fields such as carpentry, cosmetology, and construction.
“I suggest that there should be more vocational training centres in order for children to be taught different practicals taking cognisance of the importance of diversifying educational opportunities,” she said.
Minister Tawengwa welcomed the junior parliamentarians and promised to address the issues raised. He granted them permission to take necessary action within their constituencies, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling these problems.
Tawengwa spoke about the need to combat drug abuse.
“I urge you to report any cases of abuse of drugs and their forces. We shall work together with the police to arrest anyone seen selling drugs. The government is repurposing Covid-19 isolation centres into rehabilitation facilities to support youth affected by substance abuse,” he said.
“The government of Zimbabwe is also discussing on these aspects and also finding solutions to them and there is still debate in Parliament about those issues, indicating that the concerns raised by the junior parliamentarians are on the national agenda,” he said.
This meeting between the junior parliamentarians and the Minister of State marked a significant step in empowering young leaders and addressing the pressing needs of communities within Harare Metropolitan.
As the dialogue continued, the hope was that tangible solutions would emerge to tackle the challenges faced by youth and ensure their well-being and success.
Online Reporter