Call to establish Youth Parliamentary Caucus
Proportional Representation legislator Yvonne Musarurwa says she supports the idea of establishing a Youth Parliamentary Caucus that was moved by Honourable Tatenda Mavetera.
Honourable Musarurwa said the caucus will be instrumental in helping the youthful legislators in Parliament to exchange ideas.
The youthful legislators in the National Assembly face a lot of challenges in trying to represent their demographics.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Honourable Musarurwa said establishing the caucus will make sure that Parliament is leading by example in fulfilling Section 20 of the constitution.
‘’I second the motion on the establishment of a Youth Parliamentary Caucus, which has been tabled by Honourable (Tatenda) Mavetera. This Parliament is supposed to lead by example in fulfilment of provisions of Section 20 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe on youth participation and youth upliftment.
‘’Young people in Parliament stand as champions for the youth sector, which constitutes over 60% of the population but heavily underrepresented.
‘’Honourable Speaker Sir, some of the youth MPs struggle to even give their maiden speeches in Parliament. The old guard has been unable to assist the youthful MPs in Parliament. The youthful MPs have resorted to informal platforms to assist each other to formulate questions for debate. Preparing motions as well as general participation in Parliament.
‘’It is imperative that a platform be created by Parliament in the form of a Parliamentary Youth Caucus. This will create a platform for a formal exchange of ideas for youthful MPs. It will go a long way in ensuring youth participation in Parliament,’’ she said.
Youthful MPs face the same challenges
According to Honourable Musarurwa, youthful legislators from across the political divide face the same challenges
‘’Honourable Speaker Sir, youthful MPs across the political divide face similar challenges and opportunities in the political sphere. The Youth Caucus will be useful in promoting the formal exchange of ideas. As a caucus, the youths in Parliament will be able to push for the fulfilment of Section 20 of the Constitution through exchange programs with other Parliamentary Youth Caucuses.
‘’The caucus will bring the idea of youth empowerment and upliftment. The caucus will help youthful MPs to come up with constituency development programs, youth inclusion in the economy such as mining, agriculture and tourism.
‘’The Parliamentary Youth Caucus will work closely with the Portfolio Committee on Youth to monitor and evaluate Government programs and policies on youths,’’ she said.
The caucus should accommodate MPs up to 45 years
The MDC-T legislator implored Parliament to also allow the caucus to accommodate legislators up to until they are 45 years. She said this will help in including people in their middle age to also participate in the caucus.
‘’Honourable Speaker Sir. I have noted the age limit for the Youth Caucus, and I wish that it may accommodate MPs up to the age of 45. This is important as it allows for the inclusion of the middle age generation that is excluded from the adult population. The MPs from 45 years and below suffered the same prejudices as those below the age of 35.
‘’The Parliamentary Youth Caucus must use the gap of exclusion that is affecting the people between the ages of 35 and 45. As I wrap up, this Parliament must demonstrate the commitment to the promotion of the Constitution allowing the establishment of the Parliamentary Youth Caucus. This is the fulfilment of Section 20 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I submit Honourable Speaker Sir,’’ she said.
Call to establish Youth Parliamentary Caucus
