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Samantha Chigogo : Herald Correspondent

Government has appointed a seven member board of the Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) following elections that were held last Friday. The board has a three year mandate. Addressing the media in Harare yesterday Youth, Indeginisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Patrick Zhuwao said the appointments were in accordance with the law.“In accordance with Section 11 3B (1) of the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act I do hereby announce the appointment of members of the Zimbabwe Youth Council Board,” he said.

“The Act states that the council shall consist of a chairman appointed by the minister after consultation with the President and in accordance with any directions the President may give him and 14 other members of whom seven shall be appointed by the minister after consultation with the President and in accordance with any direction the President may give him.”

“Seven shall be elected by registered national associations in terms of subsection (2).”

Minister Zhuwao said the previously elected board was not gender sensitive.

“The Zimbabwe Youth Council held Board elections last year, however, the outcome of the elections did not conform to the constitutional requirements for gender equity,” he said.

“I therefore instructed the ZYC to hold another election in accordance with the guidelines of the Office of the President and Cabinet on appointment of boards. The elections were conducted on July 29, 2016.

He said the elected board members were William Chaitezvi (Mashonaland West),Theresa Chifamba (Midlands), Nickros Kajengo (Mashonaland Central), Tatenda Mavetera (Mashonaland East), Rinos Mutsa (Manicaland), Nyasha Sithole (Masvingo) and Tendai Rwodzi (Mashonaland West).

“The duties of the council as enshrined in the Act shall be subject to the directions of the minister to coordinate, supervise and foster the activities of national associations and clubs and ensure proper administration,” said Minister Zhuwao.

“The board will participate in national and international youth activities as well as advising Government on the needs of the youth.”

Minister Zhuwao said the board would also undertake projects designed to create employment for young people including fundraising, marketing and trading activities.

“I will be announcing the other eight members after relevant procedures have been followed based on the skills set for the elected board members,” he said.

“The board will be required to conform to the principles of the code of corporate governance in the execution of its duties and above all to serve the aspirations of the youth sector, thus ensuring that the needs of young people are addressed in a proper manner.”