By Senzeni Ncube
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Tinashe Kambarami has urged youths from different political parties to desist from being used by party big wigs to perpetuate violence during demonstrations in order to promote peace in the country.
This came out during a meeting that was attended by youth members from different political parties to review the peace pledge that was signed in May 2018.
The meeting was also a call to bring an end to inter and intra party violence under #Bridges4peace ahead of Africa day commemorations.
Councillor Kambarami said young people are the ones who can shape the way forward on issues that affect them regardless of their political affiliations.
“We are the only people that can shape the way forward on issues that affect us as young people regardless of our political parties and affiliation as we are all affected by economic hardships”, he said.
He said youths are always in the receiving end when it comes to political violence. “Some youths are in jail because of violence but their political leaders are busy enjoying their time in hotels and offices,” Cllr Kambarami said.
He said it is important for youth members in different political parties to come together and work together in developing the country.
An official from MDC-T Mqondisi Malanda said in order for peace to reign in the country there is a need for tolerance.
“It is important for young members of political parties to tolerate each other and solve any issues through dialogue,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) youth league representative Brian Ncube said peace is an important ingredient to development.
“As ZAPU we believe peace begins with tolerance in the midst of cultural and political differences,” Ncube said.
He said there is also need for devolution of power to be put implemented so as to keep peace in the country.
The peace pledge focuses on different aspects which include engaging in non-violent campaigns, non-destruction of property and infrastructure during campaigns and observing political tolerance.
