Amendment Bill NO.2: Youth League applauds Parliament

By Shamiso Ndangana

Zanu PF Youth League has applauded the Parliament of Zimbabwe for progress that was made on Constitution Amendment Bill No.2 yesterday.

The Bill sailed through the National Assembly following 191 yes votes against 22 nos.

According to the youth league, the sailing of the Bill in the National Assembly means their voice is being taken into consideration.

In a statement, the Youth League said “This unprecedented endorsement of youth-based social and political capital is a refreshing first in Zimbabwe under the new dispensation. As young people, we are thrilled.

“Having the youth as part of the decision-making matrix presages a rewarding experience for the entire nation unto posterity. By this gesture, we feel encouraged, our voices are being valued and having a positive impact on the nation vision for prosperity.

“As Zanu PF Youth League, we do therefore pledge to remain focused and disciplined, as we bring our fresh perspective, optimism, dynamism and enthusiasm to national development discourse. Thank you, Parliament of Zimbabwe,” read the statement.

The youth league added that the youths who will benefit from the seats should know that they are going there to represent the interests of all the youths in Zimbabwe.

‘’Our youthful MPs must never forget that in Parliament their constituency extends beyond the statutory parliamentary constituencies but covers all youths of our great nation.

“We similarly hope that the youth quota will not be used to elbow young women out of contention for roles as proportional representation MPs under the women’s quota or to elbow youth of all sexes from contesting as MPs under normal parliamentary constituency roll,” they added.

The Amendment Bill No.2 among other things is creating 10 seats for youths in the National Assembly.

Each province will contribute a youth under this amendment.

However, the seats have been criticised by youth activists such as Namatai Kwekweza who are of the view that youths were not consulted and that the seats are not enough.