We welcome Zapu’s proposal to include more youth at senior level

The recently announced move to increase representation at National Executive Committee (NEC) level by including two extra members from each province is a victory for democracy. It is a victory for democracy in that this is a request from the lower structures that has been heeded by the party hierarchy. It shows that the party is listening to its grassroots members. This is a good sign as it hints that the party may also eventually listen to the other burning issues raised by its members. The Zapu Congress promises to be exciting and is likely to usher fresh blood into the party.

By stipulating that the two new additions to the provincial nominees should be from the youth and women's wings of the party, Zapu guarantees that each province will send four nominees with at least one woman and one youth per province. It shows that the party is dead serious about harnessing women power to drive this party forward. This is in line with the party's constitution which promotes and protects women participation at all levels in the party. While other parties are busy flouting their own constitutions, Zapu is strengthening its democratic credentials.

The surprising move is the proposal to include more youth in the top structures. Bringing in youth at NEC level is a masterstroke. The youth will bring in the much need vigour and visibility that the party needs as it races towards 2018 and beyond. The youth are more in tune with what is happening on the ground and are experts at utilising technology to conduct a massive recruitment drive. The youth are much bolder than their counterparts and can challenge the Zanu pf state machinery. They have no past histories to dwell on and are happy to get on with the job of making Zapu electable at local and national level. They have the speed and energy to steer Zapu back to glory days.

This is an opportunity for the youth to transform the party. They can have an impact as they are well connected to other youths who could be the key to winning the 2018 elections. I would urge for the youth to be considered for key posts like the Secretary General, Vice President and the Information and Publicity portfolios. If the youth are given one or more of these posts, that will enable them to deliver where it matters.

Others see this as a succession plan by the party leadership to groom the youth to take over from them when the right time comes. It seems the elders in the party are getting ready to hand over the batons to the youth who are the future of the party. What a noble gesture by the leadership who realise that it is worthwhile to cede some of the power to the back bone of the party, the youth.

In turn the youth need to live up to expectations. The party has confidence in their ability to lead from the front row. As we head to congress, the youth front should rally behind their nominated leaders and support their candidacy for top posts in order for them to serve their party once more.

Annita Ndlovu is Zapu Youth Rep and committee member: Zapu West Midlands, UK.  ndlovuannita@ymail.com