Back to Index

Zim youth call for more space, recognition
US Embassy
May 27, 2011

Zimbabwean youth leaders called for more political space and recognition if they are to contribute meaningfully to the development of Zimbabwe. The youth leaders, who included representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, led a lively discussion co-sponsored by the Zimbabwe Independent Dialogue and the U.S. Embassy at a local Harare club on Thursday.

"Rebuilding Zimbabwe has to do with the youth being able to define their roles. At the micro-level, we need to start asking ourselves what each individual can do to rebuild Zimbabwe," said Grace Chirenje, a social entrepreneur who works with Zimbabwe Young Women's Network for Peace Building (ZYWNP). "The more we are aiming at a better Zimbabwe, the more that energy could be channeled at achieving a holistic Zimbabwe that is truly transformed."

The youth leaders were unanimous in calling for more participation and clear roles for youth in determining the destiny of the country. However, these roles are often limited.

"When we are coming together to form political parties, trade unions, and civic society organizations, youth are involved. But the trend in our politics is that when it comes to eating the cake at the top table, youth are told to step aside," said Decent Collins Bajila, Secretary General of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Professor Welshman Ncube.

"We have so many reasons why we are excluded in the first place, and as young people, we are conveniently engaged when others have something that they want to achieve through us," said Chirenje. "Something that is key for me is that access and control become pertinent issues if we are to become effective partners in terms of transforming Zimbabwe."

"We have two challenges, whilst we want youth to be voted for in political offices, the context is such that the youth themselves are not participating," said Masimba Nyamanhindi, coordinator of the Students Solidarity Trust.

MDC-T youth assembly chairperson, Solomon Madzore noted that the challenges were bigger than actually stated. "Youth participation is key and pivotal if we are to move forward as a nation, but it is not an easy role. We fought for jobs, freedoms and good lives. Of the aforementioned, we have none," said the MDC-T youth leader.

Welcoming participants to the dialogue Raphael Khumalo, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Media Holdings, noted the need for role models that could inspire youth to take up the challenges of developing the country citing the example of U.S. President Barack Obama. However, one of the youth speakers said leadership in both politics and civil society were setting bad precedents for Zimbabwean youth.

"One of the disastrous issues about the role of youth in developing Zimbabwe is that we have run out of role models in Zimbabwe," said Bajila bemoaning the failure by Zimbabwean leaders in civil society and politics to hand over power. "Can you imagine what would have happened if President George Bush had said, 'I can't hand over power; I need to find Osama Bin Laden.' But look, power was handed over to someone and the role that was started by ex-President Bush has been fulfilled because there is a national agenda," said Bajila.

The youth leaders emphasized the need to reclaim issues regarding patriotism, and nationalism; all basic issues from the liberation struggle.

"They are not owned by political institutions or establishments. They are our collective heritage as a people and as a nation, and we must make sure they are passed on apolitically from one generation to the next," said Bajila.

The dialogue sessions are being supported by the United States Embassy Public Affairs Section as part of its youth engagement programs in Zimbabwe aimed at helping youth discuss and debate ways to bring about positive change.

"Across Africa, the U.S. State Department is coordinating similar programs as part of an ongoing engagement with young Africans stemming from the August 2010 President's Forum with Young African Leaders in Washington, D.C. President Obama has stated very clearly that the foundation of U.S.-African relations is our mutual responsibility to work together to create better societies," said Sharon Hudson-Dean, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy. Three Zimbabwean youth leaders - Sydney Chisi, Cleopatra Ndlovu and Nyamanhindi - participated in the Forum.

The next two debate-format dialogues will take place in Masvingo on June 1, and in Bulawayo on June 16. All three events are free and interested individuals should request an invitation by calling 04-758-800 or emailing hararepas@state.gov

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP