Zim MP calls for SADC youth mentorship

By Nhau Mangirazi

KADOMA- Zimbabwean Member of Parliament representing Hurungwe on proportional representation Hon Goodlucky Kwaramba has called on Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) member states to mentor young politicians for political transitional approach in sustainable development.

Contributing during a debate on gender equality and women advancement at a regional meeting held in Kadoma last week, Hon Kwaramba said majority of young politicians are women who must be groomed so that they learn from veteran politicians.

She said, ‘I would like to add my voice on youth development aimed at demographic dividends that we are focusing with SADC Parliament Forum. We are glad that we are debating here with focus of future leaders who are mostly women youths.

‘Article 5 b of SADC PF constitution stipulates that member states facilitate effective implementation of SADC policies and programs. Youth empowerment and development was at the center of 37 SADC PF meeting held in Namibia last year. The meeting held under the theme of Promoting Infrastructure for sustainable development last year remains a noble idea for us all. It is in this spirit that I would like to contribute to this debate with focus on our youths in mind. Madam President, if we are to effectively implement youth empowerment then we must play a critical role as parliamentarians to advance the agenda to promote youth empowerment development. As standing committee had recommended establishment of regional youth forum, we must work together besides financial challenges affecting every member states.’

Hon Kwaramba further added that there is need to work hard in financial mobilization.

‘Let us harness the youth empowerment and help young parliamentarians to participate on regional matters. On this end, lets us lead the way by promoting youth participation at national and regional level. The onus is for us as veteran politicians to play mentorship roles by taking aspiring youths under our wings and groom them to be effective politicians.

The meeting was attended by SADC PF members who were debating on gender equality, women and youths empowerment.