Parly Youth Caucus plan consultative meetings

Proportional Representation legislator Tatenda Mavetera has revealed that Parliament will be consulting young people on Parliamentary Youth Caucus to come up with inclusive strategies.

The establishment of the Caucus was adopted by the National Assembly a few weeks ago and seek to champion youth issues in line with Section 20.

Establishment of the youth caucus is supposed to help in achieving the aspirations of Section 20 of the Constitution.

According to Section (20), the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take reasonable measures including affirmative action programs, to ensure that youths (people between the ages of 15 to 35 years) have access to appropriate education and training.

It also aspires that youth must have opportunities to associate and to be represented and participate in political, social-economic and other spheres of life;

c) are afforded opportunities for employment and other avenues to economic empowerment.

d) have opportunities for recreational activities and access to recreational facilities; and

e) are protected from harmful cultural practices, exploitation, and all forms of abuse.

Speaking during the Hub Unconference at Shoko Festival 2021, Honourable Mavetera who is chairperson of the Caucus said they have a duty to consult people.

‘’The establishment of the Youth Caucus has been adopted what is needed now is to make sure we look for young people who will also be able to equip us with what they want.

‘’It’s not just a matter of us as MPs having a representative role but it’s a matter of us having a consultative approach where can be able to get information from also the general population in line with Section 141 of the Constitution.

‘’The Section is quite clear that whatever work that we need to do we also need to be consulting the public,’’ she said.

Honourable Mavetera added that after the consultations are done, the ball will be in Minister Kirsty Coventry’s court to inform the executive.

‘’After these consultations with the people of course as Parliament we would have done our part and it will be up to the minister also to have the executive knowing that there is that establishment so that all policies we are going to be having will also be taken on board from the executive side,’’ she said.

Parly Youth Caucus plan consultative meetings