Young people in Bulawayo have called for more inclusive and formalised representation within city council structures, arguing that existing platforms do not adequately address the needs of the wider youth population.
The demands were raised during a youth-focused budget review meeting hosted by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) at City Hall on Friday.
Currently, the city’s youth engagement structures are limited to the Junior Council, which comprises high school representatives and the Junior Parliament, whose members are elected by students and residents. But young people at the meeting said these initiatives exclude out-of-school youth and fail to provide a direct channel for their grievances and ideas.
Tinashe Muchacha, a local resident, questioned the absence of a dedicated youth desk within the city council staffed and run by young people themselves.
“Is there any youth structure within the city council? We know government has youth ministers and district youth chairs, but what about at city level?” he asked.
Muchacha stressed the need for peer representation, especially to tackle challenges such as drug abuse among young people.
“We need a structure that is known to all, led by youth, and clearly represents specific wards. Without that, whatever the council does for us doesn’t go far enough,” he said.
Another resident, Anele Nkundla, criticised the limited scope of the Junior Council, saying it was inaccessible to many.
“From what I understand, the Junior Council only represents schools. What about us who’ve been out of school for years? I come from Magwegwe, and I’ve never seen the Junior Council active in our area,” Nkundla said.
He called for broader communication on how youth can engage with or be part of such structures, saying this would help bridge the gap between young people and local authorities.
In response, BCC Principal Community Services Officer John William Mpofu defended the current system, saying the city was bound by national regulations.
“It would be illegal for us to create another youth structure outside the framework already approved by government. What we have, Junior Council and Junior Parliament, is what we are mandated to offer,” Mpofu said.
He added that the Junior Council is a formal body, led by young people, which discusses youth-related issues and contributes to council decisions.
Mpofu also pointed to the city’s recreation leaders and youth officers who facilitate youth activities in various communities.
“While some of these recreation leaders may no longer be youths themselves, the programmes they deliver are specifically tailored for young people,” he said.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of services available at council clinics, recreation centres, and consultation forums such as the one held on Friday.
“This meeting was deliberately targeted at young people, that’s why we didn’t mix you with the business community. We want your voice to be heard,” Mpofu said.
