Activist urges support for youths

THERE is nothing for youths without the youths, Mkushi youth activist Bright Mumba has said.

Mr. Mumba told the Daily Nation in interview after participating in youth day commemorations held at the civic centre that the day was set aside for the youths to come together and discuss their challenges with government.

Mr. Mumba who is also Zambia Youth Workers Association (ZYWA) executive committee member said it was unfortunate that youths could not be given platform to discuss their plight with the authorities.

Mr. Mumba said it was unfair to have Youth Day celebrations only to lay wreaths without giving the youths a platform to highlight their challenges and needs.

“We want to express our disappointment about what is happening in Zambia. What we know is, there is nothing for the youths without youths. Therefore, we expected that every decision being made concerning youths should not be done without them.

“We expect that government will create a platform where these youths are able to sit at a round table and make decisions. But where government officials makes decisions that affect the young people without considering the youths is retrogressive,” Mr. Mumba said.

Mr. Mumba appealed to government to look into the issues of youth development critically.

And Mr. Mumba has expressed concern over the decision by political party members to wear party regalia during Youth Day celebrations.

He said people should avoid wearing party attire during public events which are intended to bring youths together regardless of political affiliation.

Mr. Mumba called the relevant authorities not to politicise such events but promote fairness and justice.

We expect that government will create a platform where these youths are able to sit at a round table and make decisions.