Involve us in nation-building activities – Zomba Young Politicians

The Zomba Young Politicians Union (YPU) has said the youth are not a tool for violent demonstrations but rather a conduit for development activities.

Zomba YPU acting executive director Wilkness Nakanga said this on Saturday when the political youth arm comprising of various political parties in the district held a Candle Light Memorial ceremony at Zomba Community Centre ground in honour of those that died during the July 20 2011 demonstrations in which most of the youths are reported to have died as a result of violence.

The event was held with support from the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Zomba Office.

Speaking during the function, which started with a Big Walk from Zomba Zero (near Zomba CCAP Church) to the venue, Nakanga alluded to the fact that most overzealous politicians in the country involve the youth in acts of violence when it comes to demonstrations.

NICE's James Chiwanda (left) Nakanga (centre) and Kasonda light candles during the ceremony
NICE’s James Chiwanda (left) Nakanga (centre) and Kasonda light candles during the ceremony

“Most political leaders entice the youth with money which they use to buy alcoholics or other drug substances and they turn violent during demonstrations. This works to the benefit of the organizers as opposed to the youth because they (the youth) are exposed to the dangers of being shot at by the police. We want political leaders to involve the youth in activities of national development and we have held this event to put our message across,” said Nakanga.

Zomba City Council (ZCC) representative at the function Gift Kasonda urged the young politicians to hold more of such events to reach out to everyone.

“Although most of the demonstrations are done in towns and cities, the message has to reach out to many people. Even in rural areas we are going to support you in whatever endeavours you are going to undertake so that you achieve your goals,” he said.

NICE executive director for Zomba, James Chiwanda appealed for a peaceful coexistence among the political groups to ensure credible registration of voters in the district which starts on September 11 ahead of the 2014 electoral polls.

Other invited guests to the event were from various government departments, traditional leaders, police, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and different party leaders in the district.

Zomba Young Politicians chant in unison during the ceremony
Zomba Young Politicians chant in unison during the ceremony
Some of the invited guests to the ceremony
Some of the invited guests to the ceremony
The function was held with support from National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE)
The function was held with support from National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE)

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
7 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Read previous post:
Mugabe, Zuma hail Malawi for successfully hosting SADC summit

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and his counterpart Jacob Zuma of South Africa on Sunday hailed Malawi for successfully hosting...

Close