Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
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YOUTHS from Matabeleland South who will represent Zanu-PF in the coming harmonised elections have said they are geared to significantly contribute to the development of the country in line with Vision 2030.
They said President Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF-led Government have set the pace in developing the country and urged citizens to come on board, especially the youths.
Cde Tinashe Mushipe who will be representing the Zanu-PF party under Matabeleland South youth quota, said the Second Republic has an all-inclusive approach to development which puts the youths at the forefront.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity which I have been given to represent the party as a youth and to get a chance to represent the youth in Parliament. This is a clear indication that we have a listening President who doesn’t want to leave out any group or section of the country when it comes to development,” he said.
Cde Mushipe said the views and concerns of everyone are important. He said the elders of the party were young when they joined the liberation struggle and they had to forego some privileges such as going to school to liberate the country.
Cde Mushipe urged the youth to defend the country by diligently serving it and safeguarding the revolutionary gains.
He urged fellow youths to take up leadership opportunities in the various sectors. Cde Mushipe said youths are still energetic and should therefore tap into the knowledge and wisdom of elders.
He said the input of youths is crucial in developing and rebuilding the country’s economy in line with Vision 2030.
Cde McNamara Madubeko who will be representing the party in Ward 6 under Beitbridge East Constituency said success in leadership is not determined by age but by the attributes of the leader.
He said a wise young leader will not strive to outrun his or her elders, but will learn from them.
Cde Madubeko said he has a passion for development.
“I have learnt a lot from my elders and I’m still learning a lot. There is a lot of work ahead of me and it’s my goal to ensure that the party wins and from there I will work on developing not only my ward but the entire town,” he said.
“I’m glad that the community believes in my capabilities and that is why they have selected me to represent them.”
Plumtree Town Ward 4 Zanu-PF representative under Mangwe Constituency, Cde Angelrose Mpindiwa said youth involvement in leadership does not only involve men, but also requires the input of young women.
She said she draws inspiration from the young women who were equal to the task of liberating the country with their male comrades.
Cde Mpindiwa said this has given her the courage to take up the task of developing her community.
“These female liberation fighters have handed over the baton stick to young women who are now supposed to show bravery,” she said.
Gwanda North Ward 10 Zanu-PF representative Cde Aldonia Gondo said the Gwanda Municipality has been operating for the past five years without a youth councillor.
She said now is the time for young people to claim their space in politics and contribute to the development of the country.
“Women have claimed their space in local authorities but there is still a gap when it comes to the youth.
“Let’s be concerned with development in our areas and be involved in developing our communities,” she said.–@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter