The Sunday Mail
Munashe Siraha
MY name is Munashe Siraha.
I am the outgoing junior legislator for Harare South constituency (before delimitation). I reside in Amsterdam Park, a place characterised by violation of children’s rights.
Several youths in the area are gifted but lack funding for their endeavours.
I am doing my Advanced Level studies at Lord Malvern School, and I am an aspiring journalist.
Since 2016, I have been driven by a strong desire to represent, defend and motivate children, and other vulnerable individuals — especially those living with disabilities.
Earlier on, I drew inspiration from the then child president, Tinaye Mbavari. I used to fill my notebook with cuttings of newspaper articles on her.
For me, being elected into the Junior Parliament was, thus, a dream come true.
In June last year, I took part in the Junior Parliament contest at Harare High School, which ran under the theme “Eliminating harmful practices affecting children: Progress on policies since 2013”
The theme resonated with my presentation considering my background experiences. Sometimes, I had to walk to and from school, being bullied along the way. I was also exposed to social ills such as alcoholism.
The reception at Harare High School was warm and the competition very fierce.
The educational institutions represented included hosts Harare High School, St Peter’s Mbare, Morgan High School, St Peter’s Kubatana, Cranborne Boys School, Manyame Secondary School and Glen Norah 1 High School.
Candidates displayed their understanding of the Zimbabwean Constitution and how to use it to change society, that is, to defend the young from child labour, early marriages, substance abuse and cyber bullying.
The experience taught me to focus more on service delivery, as a leader, than boasting around in a cream Parliament blazer. Our speeches were well-researched and captured reality, which are critical aspects of leadership.
I delivered my manifesto to the electorate and eventually won against my opponent from Manyame Secondary School.
We later went for orientation at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), where all the 233 junior parliamentarians from all over Zimbabwe converged.
However, I faced some challenges during my term in office. At HIT, I tested positive for Covid-19. Being in isolation challenged my courage. I had difficulties in eating and sleeping. I was also unable to vie for the presidential post.
Nonetheless, I was happy to learn that Unathi Nyoni was elected Child President. He is a gifted young man, soft-spoken and humble.
For the little time spent together, I learnt a lot. I learnt to be brave and resolute. This later helped me when some people dismissed my efforts as a junior parliamentarian. My spirit can bend but it does not break.
In isolation, I managed to write the constitution for an organisation I am trying to register.
President Mnangagwa officially opened the Junior Parliament session at the City Sports Centre and tasked all parliamentarians, juniors and seniors, to “faithfully discharge the responsibility of the office to society”.
An observation I made at the official opening is that the voice of children in Zimbabwe is relevant and respected.
Hard work is very important in the Junior Parliament.
Personally, I managed to work on several projects, for instance, writing petitions to the Waterfalls police, asking them to assist learners in crossing Malvern Road.
We conducted numerous campaigns against drug abuse and early child marriages. We started an online motivation platform for the youths.
Although some of my efforts failed, I am still optimistic.
I am looking forward to working with the Zimbabwe Youth Council and developing my own organisation. My message to all aspiring junior parliamentarians is that they should be dedicated, determined and hardworking.
I am grateful to God for uplifting me.
Munashe Siraha is an Upper Sixth learner at Lord Malvern School.
