Story by Tamuka Charakupa
YOUTH engagement platform, Politics Mu Bhazi, which was recently launched to promote open political dialogue between young people and leadership has been described as a timely initiative that encourages informed participation in national affairs.
The programme uses interactive forums to engage youths on governance, public policy and national development issues, providing space for dialogue, debate and a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe’s political processes.
Participants say the platform has given them confidence to engage leaders directly and express their views on issues that affect their daily lives.
“Today, we are not just listening to leaders, we are asking questions, debating policies, and understanding how decisions are made. Politics Mu Bhazi is giving young people confidence to speak and to participate,” Nokhutenda Chigango said.
Another participant, Nyasha Tewe, said the initiative was helping demystify politics among young people.
“Most young people fear politics because they think it is only for the elite. Through this programme, we are learning our rights, our responsibilities, and how politics affects our daily lives, from education jobs.”
Student leaders say the platform is also building leadership capacity and promoting respectful engagement.
“Politics Mu Bhazi is not about slogans. It is about building leadership skills, critical thinking, and discipline. We are being trained to engage respectfully, even when we disagree,” CUT SRC president, Definate Mazvihwa added.
ZANU PF Youth League leaders say the initiative is aimed at encouraging informed political participation and strengthening youth inclusion in national development processes.
“Politics Mu Bhazi provides an informal but structured environment where young people can engage freely on political issues. So far, more than 850 youths have registered to participate, which shows a growing appetite for dialogue and inclusion,” said ZANU PF Mashonaland West Youth League chairperson, Cde Tapiwa Masenda.
He added that the initiative also forms part of broader efforts to strengthen political consciousness among young people.
“As ZANU PF, we are deliberately re-engaging and solidifying our support base, especially among the youth. In the absence of a visible opposition, it is important that we strengthen internal mobilisation and political consciousness,” ZANU PF Mashonaland West Youth League Chairperson, Cde Tapiwa Masenda said.
Other youth leaders echoed similar sentiments, saying the programme bridges the gap between leadership and young citizens.
ZANU PF Central Committee member and Youth League Secretary for Education, Cde Shepherd Marime, said the initiative aligns with the party’s ideological and educational mandate.
“Our department is responsible for ideological orientation, and this initiative feeds directly into that mandate. Politics Mu Bhazi helps shape informed, disciplined youths who understand the party’s values and national vision,” ZANU PF Central Committee Member and Youth League Secretary for Education, Cde Shepherd Marime stated.
As Zimbabwe continues to prioritise youth inclusion, initiatives such as Politics Mu Bhazi are being viewed as key platforms for enhancing youth participation in governance and national development.
