News / National
Students told to join Zanu-PF structures
11 Apr 2018 at 07:00hrs | Views
Tertiary education students should actively participate in politics through formally joining the ruling party's structures, Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister Terrence Mukupe has said.
Addressing a public lecture organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Students' Unions (ZICOSU) leadership in Mashonaland West last week, the Zanu-PF Harare East legislator said students could benefit from the party's ethos and values.
Cde Mukupe said joining Zanu-PF structures would ensure that students received proper orientation before embarking on their political careers.
"It is possible for you to be Members of Parliament at youthful ages, but the party stipulates that for one to take part in the elections, he or she should have spent so many years in district structures," he said.
"So, what is stopping you from joining the cell structures of the party and start making noise, moving up the ladder now?"
He added: "It would be pointless for you to keep on blaming the President for selecting old-aged ministers. Where was he supposed to get young ministers from when the majority of educated youths are not even in the cell structures?"
Cde Mukupe said Zimbabwe's destiny was predicated on the vast intellectual abilities of young Zimbabweans.
"I am disappointed in some of the people who submit their papers to be elected as MPs or councillors, but have never participated at any level of economic development, but they end up representing the people," he said.
"Without the history of serving the party, it will be difficult for you to stand for any seat in an election."
Cde Mukupe said students from all universities and tertiary colleges should also have their own structures.
"Form your own district within campuses as you constitute more than a thousand people who are required to form a district," he said.
"You should be seen spearheading that so that the leadership sees you as people who are interested and loyal to the party."
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West Youth League political commissar Cde Tapiwa Chitate, who attended the lecture, said students were welcome to join Zanu-PF structures.
Addressing a public lecture organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Students' Unions (ZICOSU) leadership in Mashonaland West last week, the Zanu-PF Harare East legislator said students could benefit from the party's ethos and values.
Cde Mukupe said joining Zanu-PF structures would ensure that students received proper orientation before embarking on their political careers.
"It is possible for you to be Members of Parliament at youthful ages, but the party stipulates that for one to take part in the elections, he or she should have spent so many years in district structures," he said.
"So, what is stopping you from joining the cell structures of the party and start making noise, moving up the ladder now?"
He added: "It would be pointless for you to keep on blaming the President for selecting old-aged ministers. Where was he supposed to get young ministers from when the majority of educated youths are not even in the cell structures?"
"I am disappointed in some of the people who submit their papers to be elected as MPs or councillors, but have never participated at any level of economic development, but they end up representing the people," he said.
"Without the history of serving the party, it will be difficult for you to stand for any seat in an election."
Cde Mukupe said students from all universities and tertiary colleges should also have their own structures.
"Form your own district within campuses as you constitute more than a thousand people who are required to form a district," he said.
"You should be seen spearheading that so that the leadership sees you as people who are interested and loyal to the party."
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West Youth League political commissar Cde Tapiwa Chitate, who attended the lecture, said students were welcome to join Zanu-PF structures.
Source - the herald
