Grade 12 requirement, a chance for youths

The Grade 12 certificate requirement for councillors in the newly amended Constitution will open opportunities for more youths to participate and represent their communities, Solwezi acting mayor Brian Kajoba said. 

Speaking recently, Mr Kajoba said the new requirement for councillors to have a minimum qualification of a grade 12 certificate will create room for youths to take part in politics. 

“Politics have been left to the elderly but with the new requirement some of the elderly who have not attained Grade 12 certificates will not participate leaving room for more youths,” he said. 

Mr Kajoba said youths should take this as an opportunity for them to fully participate in the running of the country and decision-making concerning their various communities. 

And the acting mayor who is Mujimanzovu ward councillor said having councillors that have at least a grade 12 certificate will make it easier for them to understand policies and make informed decisions. 

“In this time and age being able to express yourself in the full council meetings is not enough, one should be able to understand policies, analyse situations and then make informed well thought out decisions “he said. 

“In the council meeting, the language of use is English unlike previous years and for one to reach grade 12 it is expected that they can properly articulate issues in the English language. We cannot run away from the fact that there is an enhanced understanding of issues in one who has reached grade 12,” Mr Kajoba said. 

He said it was unfortunate that some councillors who are serving may not qualify because of lack of grade 12 certificates. 

Mr Kajoba noted that it was never too late for one to go to school and obtain the relevant qualifications if they felt they can serve their communities well.-Daily Nation