Hon. Mavunga Urges Immediate Junior Councillors Recruitment

Itai Mazire

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Albert Mavunga, has issued a compelling call for all local authorities to expedite the recruitment of junior councillors, emphasising their pivotal role in national development.

The directive comes as the Ministry intensifies its nationwide youth outreach programs, designed to empower young leaders and integrate them into local governance structures.

Speaking at the 2026 Junior Councillors Patrons and Focal Persons Strategic Planning and Capacity Building Workshop in Kadoma, Deputy Minister Mavunga implored the urgency of youth involvement.

“Your presence here is a powerful testament to a shared belief, that the path to achieving our Local Authorities Blueprint, our National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and our collective vision for 2030 must be paved with the energy, innovation and leadership of our youth,” said Hon. Mavunga.

The Ministry’s commitment to youth empowerment is evident through its robust outreach initiatives.

The youth desk, under the Department of Local Authorities, is actively conducting a Ministry-wide outreach, delivering induction programs and capacity building initiatives.

These efforts are specifically tailored “to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive,” he said.

This comprehensive approach aims to standardise the operations of junior councillors, ensuring they are well-prepared for their responsibilities.

A critical component of this strategy is the immediate recruitment of junior councillors by all local authorities. Mavunga did not mince words, declaring, “I call upon local authorities who have not yet done junior councillors’ recruitment and selection to do so.”

This recruitment drive is seen as essential for aligning with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.

Furthermore, the government has already integrated a junior councillor’s budget component into council budgets, specifically to empower their activities and uplift communities.

Beyond recruitment, the Ministry is pushing for the establishment and resuscitation of youth centres across the country. These centres are envisioned as hubs for development, offering vital services.

“I am urging all local authorities to resuscitate and establish youth centres that provide youth friendly services. The centres provide mentorship, career guidance and entrepreneurial development skills, among other services,” said Hon. Mavunga

This initiative reflects the government’s broader recognition of the youth demographic.

“As a Government, we recognise the importance of prioritising their needs and ensuring that they have access to the services and opportunities that will enable them to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Hon. Mavunga.

He called for the need for targeted interventions and investments in youth welfare, education, and development.

To ensure coordinated and impactful programs, the Ministry is also rolling out Minimum Service Delivery Standards, providing a framework for collaboration among local authorities.

This holistic strategy aims to foster a generation of globally competitive and prosperous young people, driving national progress from the community level up.