HARARE– The Mayor of Harare, Councillor Jacob Mafume, has emphasised that one of the core objectives of establishing a Junior Council is to advance initiatives aimed at creating safe cities. Speaking during the 73rd City of Harare Junior Council inauguration on Thursday, Cllr Mafume called on junior councillors to actively engage with pressing safety and social issues, including the recent case of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly abused at the Julia Zvobgo Street (formerly Rezende Street) bus rank.
“You know the debate about a 13-year-old girl who was abused by a commuter omnibus driver. That’s part of your responsibility — raising awareness around those issues and working to create a safe city for children,” Cllr Mafume told the gathering.
He expressed concern over public commentary following the incident, where some commuter omnibus drivers attempted to blame the victim’s attire for the abuse she suffered. “I understand he (the kombi driver) apologised after the backlash. That shows you the extent of the work ahead of us in creating safe cities. This is exactly the type of issue we expect the Junior Council to speak about — to educate communities, advocate for safe public spaces, and ensure safer public transport.”
The establishment of the Junior Council forms part of a broader city strategy to empower young people as agents of change. The initiative aims to involve youth in governance processes, making them active participants in shaping policy and promoting safety, civic responsibility, and social cohesion.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Junior Harare Mayor, Councillor Otheniel Gotora, pledged that the council will dedicate itself to fulfilling its mandate. “Our Junior Council will work tirelessly to address issues affecting Harare youths. We will raise awareness, promote safety, and contribute positively to the well-being of our city,” Cllr Gotora said.
Harare Mayor Urges Junior Council to Champion Safe Cities and Youth Empowerment
At the inauguration ceremony, Mr Darlington Mupfupi, National Junior Council coordinator in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (Youth Desk), highlighted the importance of the Junior Council in contributing to Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda.
He said the role of junior councillors is “crucial in shaping the future of communities and contributing to the realisation of Vision 2030.” Vision 2030 is Zimbabwe’s national development strategy aimed at transforming the country into an upper middle-income economy, characterised by sustainable growth, social equity, and inclusive prosperity.
“This generation of young leaders will inherit the challenges of the future, including climate change, substance abuse, and infrastructure decay. They may also hold the solutions,” Mr Mupfupi said.
He urged the government and local authorities to actively listen to the voices of junior councillors, valuing their insights as part of national development planning. “To our junior councillors, we are counting on you to contribute to the realisation of Vision 2030 and build a prosperous, sustainable future for all Zimbabweans,” he added.
Mr Mupfupi emphasised that junior councillors will be operating in a challenging environment, with critical issues such as substance abuse, service delivery deficits, and climate change requiring urgent attention. He encouraged councillors to be proactive, innovative, and bold in addressing these matters, stating that the involvement of youth is vital for sustainable solutions.
The mayor also stressed that building a safe city goes beyond addressing crime. It involves cultivating a culture of respect, accountability, and civic engagement. “A safe city is one where every person — especially children and young people — feels secure in public spaces. That requires active community participation, which is exactly what the Junior Council represents,” Cllr Mafume noted.
Junior councils in Zimbabwe have increasingly been seen as platforms for nurturing leadership, civic responsibility, and participatory democracy among young people. They serve as training grounds for future leaders, providing youth with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to engage meaningfully in governance and community development.
By addressing issues such as public safety, environmental sustainability, and social justice, the Junior Council of Harare can become a powerful force for change. Their role extends beyond advocacy — they are expected to propose practical solutions and mobilise communities towards shared goals.
The inauguration of the 73rd City of Harare Junior Council marks a significant moment in the city’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive governance. As they assume their roles, the junior councillors are tasked with both a responsibility and an opportunity — to transform their communities and contribute to the realisation of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
As Cllr Mafume concluded, “The work before you is not easy. But it is necessary. The safety of our children, the health of our communities, and the future of our nation depend on your dedication and leadership.”
Source- Herald
