MARTIN MAWAYA
The Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) has highlighted the importance of youth participation in governance and service delivery, recognizing their potential to significantly influence decision-making processes.
Encouraging youth participation can lead to fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and increased community engagement, which can ultimately contribute to more effective and representative governance.
Speaking at a youth engagement meeting under the “Enhancing Citizen Participation in Governance Processes” project, GRRA Programs Officer, Fadzai Kanyai, emphasized the vital role of young people in shaping community development.
However, Kanyai noted that there is still a yawning gap in young people’s participation in decision-making processes.
“Their attendance at initiatives affecting their lives and community development remains low. Through our research and interactions, we aim to intensify capacity building so that they possess the knowledge to navigate local challenges,” Kanyai said.
She pointed out that some existing policies are not youth-friendly and discourage their participation.
“Some policies do not address the needs of the youth, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy and promoting inclusiveness in community development,” she added.
The GRRA Programs team leader encouraged young people to leverage their knowledge to effect change in their communities, emphasizing that effective service delivery solutions originate from active participation.
She urged the youth to adopt a positive mindset and reflect on their contributions to socio-economic development.
Hazel Denhere from Mkoba noted that the current economic climate has deterred youth from engaging in decision-making processes.
“Incentivism and tokenism have stifled young people’s participation. Today’s economic challenges often prevent them from addressing developmental issues while managing their daily struggles,” she explained.
Denhere stressed the importance of equipping youth with knowledge about their rights and constitutional responsibilities.
“We come from a society where many young people are uninformed; most do not even know their local councilors or representatives. There is a critical gap that must be addressed through awareness campaigns,” she added.
Additionally, Denhere highlighted that a generation of young people faces misguided priorities, often influenced by social media trends.
“We have been swept away by superficial trends, losing sight of what truly matters,” remarked Denhere.
The GRRA meeting brought together youth from all 19 wards, including Woodlands, to discuss their involvement in decision-making processes.
