Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Matabeleland South Provincial Education Coordinator Mr. Andrew Tlou has applauded Habakkuk Trust for youth oriented programmes on voter registration in Gwanda District.
Speaking at a Sports and Arts Coaching Clinic organized by Habakkuk Trust in Mzimuni, Gwanda Ward 3, Tlou said some weeks ago he met some Habakkuk Trust trained youths doing voter education and mobilizing people to register to vote.
“Our main concern are the youths, they have the numbers, they have the energy, but most of them don’t want to participate in electoral processes,” he said. “I am very impressed by the youths in these two Wards, the voter registration turnout is quite magnificent compared to other areas. As ZEC we are glad to have partners such as Habakkuk Trust, I am very happy, continue doing good work.”
The coaching clinics, held in Gwanda Wards 3 and 6, are part of Habakkuk Trust’s efforts to increase youth participation in development and decision making processes and most importantly, register to vote.
Habakkuk Trust brought in soccer, netball and arts experts which included renowned Highlanders football club legends Ronald Gidiza Sibanda and Gift Lunga Junior to share their skills and knowledge with young people.
Moditor Ncube of Ward 4 appreciated the netball knowledge she acquired from Precious Mudenge and Joshua Mugoshi, regarding the latest developments in the discipline. She said as a coach, she will share the information she acquired from the clinic to mobilize young women to register to vote.
Habakkuk Trust Programmes Manager Mr. Khumbulani Maphosa urged youths to be active citizens and take part in community development initiatives.
“If you cannot register to vote, you cannot be in any development structures in your Ward,” he said. “Registering to vote is the easiest decision one can make, and it is your mandate to mobilize other youths to register to vote.”
The youths were also encouraged to use sports and arts as a way of mobilising the community to participate in development and decision making processes.
