Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – The City of Mutare successfully held a two-day induction training workshop for the newly selected Junior Councillors for the 2025-2026 term at the Civic Centre.
This initiative aims to equip the young leaders with essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively fulfil their roles within the city’s governance structure.
The selection process for the Junior Councillors involved participants from 19 schools across Mutare, encompassing both public and private institutions. The programme targeted students in Lower Sixth, with a few exceptional candidates from Form Three.
After reviewing the applications, a panel consisting of the Junior Council Focal Person, the Junior Council Patron, an Education Officer, and representatives from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training conducted interviews to finalise the selection.
The 2025-2026 Junior Council comprises 26 members, 10 boys and 16 girls, reflecting the council’s commitment to inclusivity and diverse representation within the local governance framework.
The newly appointed Junior Councillors benefited from training provided by a range of experts including officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, experienced entrepreneurs, and consultants.
The workshop covered various key topics such as leadership skills, grooming and etiquette, governance frameworks, youth participation, empowerment of young leaders, roles and responsibilities in local governance, child rights, effective communication, team building, and the Junior Councillors’ Code of Conduct.
This induction workshop marked a vital step in preparing the Junior Councillors for their forthcoming roles. The training encouraged the participants to bring their unique perspectives and innovative ideas to the discussions, fostering an environment where they can actively engage with their peers and contribute to meaningful local governance initiatives.
Addressing the junior councillors, Mutare City Mayor, Simon Chabuka said council was compelled to strengthen its relationship with junior council to effectively work together in dealing with social vices affecting youths.
“Our role as council is to become partners with junior council in lobbying for awareness on child rights and abuses taking place in our communities. The junior councillors are more aware of the vices affecting their peers and it is critical that we have their input for us to be able to map a way forward as one unit,” he said.
Prominent figures, including the outgoing Junior Mayor, Rutendo Gwizo, Junior Deputy Mayor Cuthbert Zambira, Junior Town Clerk Munashe Kadyamusuma, and various school patrons, graced the event, providing mentorship and encouragement to the new councillors as they embarked on their journey.
Following the training sessions, elections for executive positions were held, culminating in the selection of leadership for the Junior Council.
Alegria Nyandoro was elected as the Junior Mayor, Stenic Mukwecheni as the Junior Deputy Mayor, and Nicole Jumbi as the Junior Town Clerk, promising a proactive approach to their roles in local governance.
“The City of Mutare recognises the importance of youth involvement in governance and the potential it holds to inspire civic engagement amongst younger generations. The induction of the new Junior Council represents a progressive step toward empowering youth to take an active role in decision-making processes that affect their communities,” said Town Clerk, Blessing Chafesuka.
As they begin their term, the City of Mutare anticipates that the contributions of the Junior Councillors will enhance dialogue and collaboration with their peers regarding pressing local issues.
The municipal leadership believes that fostering a culture of active participation among youth will ultimately lead to a more engaged citizenry, capable of addressing shared challenges and driving community development.
