Investigating the effects of gerontocratic Political leadership on youth marginalization in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gerontocratic political leadership on youth marginalisation in Zimbabwe, with the aim of identifying solutions that could promote meaningful political participation and political transformation among young people and contribute to national development. The specific objectives were to examine the impact of gerontocracy on youth participation in political leadership, determine the factors contributing to the political marginalisation of young people, and explore ways through which youth can participate progressively in political leadership.

The target population comprised youth groups registered with the Ministry of Youth in 2019, officials from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and religious leaders in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study employed a stratified random sampling technique and selected a sample of 160 respondents. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were employed. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 22, while qualitative data were analysed through narrative descriptions.

The findings revealed that young people in Zimbabwe have limited opportunities to participate in the formulation of youth policies and are also excluded from their implementation. The study identified political patronage, cultural norms, and poverty as major factors contributing to the political exclusion of young people from political leadership. The high levels of youth unemployment were also identified as a significant challenge. The study recommends greater inclusion of young people in political leadership and calls for government support for inclusive political processes and democratic practices. This could be achieved through youth skills development and capacity building in areas such as leadership, elections, governance, and political participation, as well as promoting the participation of both young women and men in political positions and decision-making processes at all levels.