Chaplin High School extends Junior Parliament legacy

By Dumisani Ndlovu

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Chaplin High School has once again cemented its reputation as a significant training ground for young leaders, with student Michael Ndambami recently elected as the Speaker of Parliament for the 33rd session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe.
This achievement follows closely on the heels of Sithabile Mutigo, another Chaplin High alumnus, who served as Junior Speaker last year, signaling a remarkable consistency in political leadership from the Gweru-based institution.
Ndambami's elevation to this esteemed position within the junior legislative body comes after a competitive electoral process where he finished second in the highly contested presidential race. His role as Presiding Officer places him at the heart of youth legislative discourse, tasked with overseeing parliamentary proceedings and ensuring adherence to legislative decorum among his peers.
Speaking on his recent success, Ndambami described the electoral and training process as "challenging and stressful yet educational." He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with other eloquent speakers from across the country, an experience he believes significantly contributed to his growth. "Having the privilege of being the presiding officer of such a Parliament is an honour for me and I feel this is a huge responsibility on my shoulders to make sure that we do everything in order and with excellence," he stated, reflecting on the weight of his new duties.
A key focus of Ndambami's tenure, as he pledged, will be to push for legislative instruments that directly address the needs and challenges faced by Zimbabwe's children and young people. This commitment aligns with the core mandate of the Junior Parliament, which serves as a vital platform for youth participation in national governance and policy advocacy. His excitement was palpable as he acknowledged the high-level engagement associated with his role: "I am also wrapped in excitement because it’s not every day you get to speak and preside over an event where senior government officials will be there, including the two Vice Presidents of the nation and the President himself."
The rigorous training process leading up to the elections, while demanding, proved invaluable for Ndambami. Despite the "straining and painful" nature of the preparation, he affirmed that "every minute was worth his while, as it turned out to be a success." Drawing from his journey, Ndambami offered a powerful message of persistence to his peers nationwide. "No matter how wild dreams anyone can have, and despite failing once or twice on those dreams, it does not mean they cannot be attained," he urged, encouraging youths to remain steadfast in pursuing their passions, confident that greatness will eventually follow.
The Junior Parliament, a flagship initiative under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Youth Council, is strategically designed to provide children with a robust platform for active participation in governance, policy-making, and advocacy. This mechanism is crucial for nurturing future leaders and ensuring that the voices and concerns of young people are integrated into the national dialogue. Lungani Zwangobani, Programmes Manager for the Zimbabwe Youth Council, affirmed the integrity of the recent electoral process, describing it as "fair and transparent." The elections saw 10 contestants representing all ten provinces of Zimbabwe, with a total of 353 votes cast, highlighting the broad-based nature of the democratic exercise.
It is important to note the distinct roles within the Junior Parliament's hierarchy. While Ndambami assumes the vital role of Presiding Officer, overseeing parliamentary proceedings and ensuring adherence to legislative decorum, the mantle of Child President for the 2025–2026 term was conferred upon Lionel Mazarire of Chinhoyi Technical College in Mashonaland West Province. The official opening of the 33rd session of the Junior Parliament, held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, marked the inauguration of the incoming Child President, signifying the formal commencement of the new parliamentary term.
Chaplin High School's consistent representation at the highest levels of the Junior Parliament, exemplified by Sithabile Mutigo last year and now Michael Ndambami, raises pertinent questions about the efficacy of its internal leadership development programs or perhaps its unique pedagogical approach that cultivates such strong public speakers and aspiring politicians. This trend suggests a foundational strength within the school that equips students not just academically, but also with the crucial soft skills of communication, debate, and leadership essential for democratic engagement.
Ndambami's election, alongside the continued success of Chaplin High, underscores the vibrant potential within Zimbabwe's youth. As the 33rd session of the Junior Parliament commences, the nation watches to see how these young leaders, guided by figures like Ndambami, will champion the cause of their peers and contribute to a more inclusive and responsive governance framework for the country's collective future.

Hon. Michael Ndambami