‘Participate more in junior councils’

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has challenged local authorities across the country to establish junior councils to increase young people’s participation in local governance.

In a speech read on her behalf by Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira during the 2019 National Junior Councils Association of Zimbabwe (NJCAZ) conference at Masvingo Polytechnic on Wednesday, Amai Mnangagwa urged all Government ministries which directly or indirectly work with youths to closely support the association in all its endeavours.

The conference was held under the theme: “Creating safe space for children and youth in local governance.”

The First Lady also expressed her commitment in supporting the junior council’s initiatives through ensuring that stakeholders fulfil their mandate .

“I challenge all local authorities through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to establish effective and sustainable junior councils,” said Amai Mnangagwa.

“Zimbabwe can never progress to a middle-income status without these young people. They are our future.”

The First Lady hailed Government for creating the junior council, saying the strategy provided a platform for young people to participate in local governance  issues.

“I am, and have always been, interested in issues that address our young people, the future of Zimbabwe.

“I have also been following closely the work of the Junior Council and to say the least, I am impressed.

“I watched Epworth Junior Council last year on the television and I was amazed at how these junior councillors are tackling issues of governance in their cities.

“I would want to appreciate the Government through Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ministry for creating NJCAZ which then enables an environment for junior council participation,” she said.

This move by Government, she said, was deliberately designed to engage young people in civic affairs, enabling them to participate in governance issues that affect the youth.