THE SILENCED VOICES: UNPACKING THE POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION OF YOUTH IN ZIMBABWE

In the heart of Africa’s political discourse, the issue of youth political participation remains a poignant subject, particularly in developing countries like Zimbabwe. Despite constitutional guarantees that enshrine the youth’s right to vote and engage in public political debates, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The vibrant energy and potential of young Zimbabweans are stifled by a political system that has, over time, marginalized them from significant decision-making processes.

Zimbabwe’s historical context sheds light on the profound impact of youth marginalization. Once seen as potential leaders and changemakers, many young people have instead become symbols of social disorder. In urban areas, where political violence is rampant, the exclusion of youth from employment, education, and mainstream politics has led to an alarming trend. Disillusioned by the lack of democratic progress post-independence, some youths have resorted to violence as a means of expression, reflecting a deep-seated frustration with the status quo.

The contrast between rural and urban youth political participation is stark. Rural youths have a higher voting rate, estimated at over 35%, compared to less than 20% among their urban counterparts. This discrepancy raises critical questions about the motivations behind rural youths’ participation. Is it a genuine exercise of democratic rights, or are they coerced by material incentives or fear? The ruling party, ZANU PF, has been accused of manipulating the provision of basic needs and services to secure votes, exploiting the poverty and lack of political literacy that plagues many rural areas.

Moreover, the involvement of traditional leaders, such as chiefs and headmen, in mobilizing rural votes for ZANU PF, underscores the challenge of maintaining political neutrality in an environment rife with patronage politics and authoritarianism. This dynamic undermines the electorate’s ability to make independent decisions, perpetuating a cycle of political apathy and entrenching corrupt and inefficient leadership.

The crux of the issue lies in the disparity in political literacy between urban and rural youths. Urban youths, hit hard by poverty but empowered by higher levels of political awareness, are more critical of the government’s failures. In contrast, rural youths, with limited access to information and low political literacy, are more susceptible to the empty promises of politicians. This vulnerability is a painful reminder of historical manipulations, such as the deceit that led to Lobengula’s empire’s colonization.

Democracy thrives on informed participation. Political literacy is the bedrock upon which individuals can make decisions that shape a healthy political society. It enables checks and balances on government institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability. Sadly, in Zimbabwe, the political participation of youth, especially in rural areas, is hindered by a lack of education on their rights and the significance of their vote in the 21st century.

As Zimbabwe continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the empowerment and inclusion of youth in the political process remain critical. Without addressing the barriers to youth participation, the nation risks perpetuating a cycle of governance that neither reflects the will of its people nor harnesses the potential of its younger generation. The silenced voices of Zimbabwe’s youth must be heard, for they hold the key to a more democratic, accountable, and prosperous future.