By Memory Mudzani
Young people make up a significant share of Zimbabwe’s population but youth activists say structural, economic and political barriers continue to limit their participation in decision-making processes.
In an interview, PaHukama Youth Foundation director Endridge Chapani said young people face challenges in accessing platforms where development decisions are made.
“Formal representation remains limited, as Ward Development Committees and District Development Coordinating Committees are often dominated by older people, while youth quotas that exist on paper are rarely enforced,” said Chapani.
He said although young people are frequently referred to as “the future” in policy discussions, they are often excluded from decision-making at ward, district and national levels.
Chapani said PaHukama Youth Foundation works to promote youth participation through civic education and leadership training programmes.
“Our role includes training young people on local government structures and budget processes under the Urban Councils Act and Rural District Councils Act, creating platforms for engagement with councillors, Members of Parliament and Rural District Council officials, and supporting accountability initiatives in communities,” he said.
A young resident of Amaveni, Rufaro Size, said lack of information and economic challenges are among the factors affecting youth participation in community development programmes.
“Young people are now focusing more on survival and income-generating activities, while some are affected by drug and substance abuse,” said Size.
Chapani said both government and non-governmental organisations should strengthen programmes that promote youth involvement in development processes.
He said youth participation should be integrated into local budget processes and supported through community education initiatives.
