Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara and Eliah Saushoma Chronicle Reporters
NEWLY appointed Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) junior councillors were officially inducted into office over the weekend following a comprehensive training programme aimed at equipping them with governance and leadership skills.
The induction workshop sought to empower the 25 young leaders with knowledge of local governance structures, civic responsibilities and leadership duties, enabling them to effectively represent the interests of young people within their communities.
Speaking at the event, Junior Council focal person Ms Linda Maphosa said the programme was designed to prepare junior councillors to mirror the functions of senior councillors while contributing towards national development goals.
“We make sure that we include the nation’s vision so that our youths are aware of what we are planning as a country and in support of the President’s mantra that ‘a nation is built by its own people’. These young leaders are coming in to help build our nation through the junior councils,” she said.
Ms Maphosa said the newly inducted members were expected to spearhead community development initiatives, including clean-up campaigns, social development programmes and the promotion of disability-friendly environments within their communities.
Newly appointed Umguza Junior Council chairperson, Vuyiswa Sebele of John Tallach High School, said she was honoured by the appointment.
“I was surprised when I got this position because of how young I am. However, I am going to work towards making sure that every young person is represented, whether boy or girl, and to ensure that our country becomes a better place.
We will strive to make sure that Umguza becomes number one in Zimbabwe and that we make the world a little bit better for everyone,” said Sebele.
Junior Chief Executive Officer Abiola Ndlovu described the induction as an eye-opening experience that aligned the youth council’s mandate with national development aspirations.
“My mandate today is to create a better generation, a generation that fights against drug and substance abuse, child marriages, gender inequality and discrimination. I want us to become the pacemakers of the next generation because this is our renaissance,” said Ndlovu.
The event also highlighted the council’s commitment to inclusivity, with Special Interest Councillor for Social Inclusion Mengezi Ncube, who is visually impaired, encouraging young people living with disabilities to actively participate in leadership and community development initiatives.
“As a young leader, my message to everyone out there is that disability does not mean inability. I am proud that Umguza Rural District Council has included people with disabilities in the Junior Council. We have the power, the mindset and the capability to make a lasting difference and lead our generation into a brighter future,” he said.
Umguza RDC chairperson Councillor Sisa Moyo said the local authority remained committed to supporting the Junior Council and developing the district through partnerships with various stakeholders.
“This induction is aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030. By involving young people in local governance processes, we are advancing the Government’s commitment to devolution and ensuring that youth voices shape the development priorities of our district.
“We are looking for sponsors to support the development of our district. We would also like to thank King City for sponsoring uniforms for our Junior Councils and Radar Properties for sponsoring tracksuits, which help the councillors participate in various activities,” she said.
The Junior Council programme forms part of Umguza Rural District Council’s broader strategy to promote transparency, accountability, youth empowerment and intergenerational dialogue in line with Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda and national development objectives.
