Interviewed youths told The Zimbabwean that politicians tended to focus on the youths during campaign periods, giving them empty promises of job opportunities and economic empowerment.
The youths said it was important for their peers to rally behind young contestants in the forthcoming elections.
“As youths, we will be looking for leaders who are able to understand the difficulties we are facing, especially unemployment. Some of the leaders we have at the moment do not understand our concerns,” said Soustern Phiri (27) from Mount Pleasant.
Another interviewed youth, Takarindwa Moyo (32) from Dzivarasekwa, said one of the remedies that would alleviate the challenges facing youths was increasing the number of young politicians.
“I think young politicians would understand our plight better. A young leader is someone you can talk to and who can easily understand your concerns,” said Moyo.
Yemurai Kalua (18) from Glen Norah said: “I think it is important that we rally behind young politicians because most of their programmes appeal to the youths. For example, it is easier for a person of my age to relate to a leader in his 30s because I know we share the same experiences.”
Another youth, Paul Majarira (29) from Mbare, said youths should know that elections provided a chance to choose leaders who could understand and solve their problems.
“I think that when we go to vote, it is important for us to know the leaders who will be able to understand us,” said Majarira.
Among issues raised by the youths, was the need to go and register to vote as well as abstaining from violence.
“Despite our different political affiliations, we face the same problems and there is a vital need for us to unite in solving them. If we allow ourselves to be manipulated, we will only be worsening our situation,” said Rumbidzai Kateya (33) from Budiriro.
Post published in: News