Zimbabwe youths push for quota system in local authorities

Young people across Zimbabwe are calling for the establishment of a youth quota system in local authorities, a move they say would significantly enhance youth representation and participation in governance structures.

The push gained momentum last week after a meeting of the Parliamentary Youth Caucus in Harare, where young legislators gathered to formalise a motion that will soon be tabled in Parliament.

The initiative stems from growing demands voiced during the inaugural Youth Model Parliament held earlier this year. The platform, launched by the Zimbabwe Youth Council and the Zimbabwe Institute in collaboration with the Parliamentary Youth Caucus, brought together youths from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting them, including limited involvement in decision-making processes.

Speaking to NewsDay on Monday, Parliamentary Youth Caucus chairperson and Zanu-PF Manicaland youth league boss Stanley Sakupwanya said the call for a youth quota was a direct response to concerns raised by participants at the youth parliament session.

"Given the demand by young people who participated in the inaugural youth parliamentary session… it was agreed that there is urgent need to address the abuse of drugs by young people and the need for technological empowerment," Sakupwanya said.

He emphasized that a quota system in local government would help ensure young voices are heard and integrated into the country's governance frameworks.

"We met as young Members of Parliament recently and we want to formalise our motion that we are going to table in Parliament very soon, of having a youth quota in local authorities," he said.

Sakupwanya also highlighted the role of the Youth Model Parliament in bridging the gap between government and youth, noting that it had proven to be a valuable space for young people to engage on critical socio-economic and political issues.

The proposed motion aligns with broader efforts to tackle youth challenges, such as drug abuse, unemployment, and digital exclusion, which continue to hinder youth development and civic engagement in Zimbabwe.

If passed, the youth quota would mark a significant milestone in efforts to empower young Zimbabweans and institutionalize their participation in local governance.