FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Tarirana Marley, a form 5 learner at the upmarket Junior High School in the leafy suburb of Rhodene, has been elected Speaker of the new Junior Parliament.
Marley was elected during the induction ceremony for the newly elected junior parliamentarians from across country’s 10 provinces gathered at Harare Institute of Technology University.
Tinashe Mugodhi of St Mary’s High, Harare Province was elected junior president, Coline Mutepfa from St Augustine’s High School from Manicaland was elected vice president together with Kundi Chimbuya of Thornhill High School, Midlands Province.
Harare Province led the vote with 51 votes, followed by Masvingo Province with 44 votes, Midlands with 41 votes while Mashonaland West and Manicaland both recorded 38 votes. Mashonaland East followed with 37 votes, Mashonaland Central with 32 votes, Matabeleland North with 28 votes, Bulawayo with 25 votes and Matabeleland South with 24 votes.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Junior Holdings proprietor, Dr Noah Marima said the school is proud of Marley’s achievement.
“We are immensely proud that Tarirana Marley, a Form 5 learner at Junior High School, has been elected Speaker of the Junior Parliament. This achievement reflects his dedication, leadership and the values of discipline and service we instil at our school.
“We believe young people have a critical role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future and Marley is an excellent ambassador for that. We thank our teachers, parents, the entire school community and Masvingo Province at large for their unwavering support.”
Marley’s election is a significant milestone for both Junior High School and Masvingo Province, highlighting the province’s growing contribution to youth leadership and national development.
Junior Parliament serves as Zimbabwe’s premier platform for children’s participation in governance, allowing young representatives to debate issues affecting their peers and engage directly with policymakers.
The institution mirrors the country’s Parliament, with child legislators representing constituencies from across all provinces.
The junior parliament was established in 1991 following Zimbabwe’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to ensure children have a structured platform to influence policies and advocate for legislation that promotes their welfare under the Zimbabwe Youth Council.
In the past four years Masvingo Province held the post of vice president twice including the outgoing Tinevimbo Mavetera and Theophillus Beans in 2023.
