Staff Reporter
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu has underscored the importance of junior councillors in local governance, saying their participation is critical in addressing issues affecting children and youth.
Mpungu made the remarks during the introduction of Municipality of Redcliff junior councillors to senior councillors and management ahead of a full council meeting.
He commended the local authority for initiating the programme, describing it as a progressive step towards inclusive governance.
“They are critical in our governance processes. These are the people that represent their peers at the council level. There can be nothing for them without them,” Mpungu said.
He said junior councillors are better placed to articulate challenges facing young people, including drug and substance abuse, early marriages, school dropouts and HIV and AIDS.
“The nation is grappling with issues such as drug and substance abuse, early marriages, school dropouts and HIV and AIDS. We believe they are better placed to tackle these as junior councillors,” he said.
Mpungu expressed hope that the platform would enable the young representatives to influence council policies and advocate for improved service delivery.
“We hope through this interaction they will be able to influence policies at the council level and articulate for improved service delivery that benefits the youth,” he said.
He also urged the junior councillors to lobby for child-friendly budgets within local authorities.
Redcliff Town Clerk Gilson Chakauya said council would ensure that the voices of junior councillors are incorporated into decision-making processes.
“We want to make sure that their voice is heard and that their participation in council is meaningful. Their minutes will be cascaded into council deliberations,” Chakauya said.
He said junior councillors would attend full council meetings and present their reports through the Gender, Youth and Disability Committee, which will serve as a platform for raising their concerns.
“We expect that committee to meet every month and bring reports from the junior councillors so that we take on board their resolutions,” he said.
The initiative is aimed at promoting youth participation in governance and ensuring that policies and programmes at local level reflect the needs and concerns of younger citizens.
