Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
More than 1 000 youths in Lobengula-Magwegwe Constituency in Bulawayo are set to benefit from an economic empowerment programme launched by the local aspiring Zanu-PF MP, Cde Butholezwe Ndlovu.
Under the programme, youths will be registered for various vocational training courses with Cde Ndlovu facilitating the payment of tuition fees.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at New Magwegwe Bus Terminus yesterday, Cde Ndlovu said the scheme is aimed at empowering youths with skills.
“Under this programme, we will be paying for one course for each youth. Although we are mainly targeting the youths, old men and women can also benefit,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu said the empowerment of youths is in line with Vision 2030.
“It is important to prepare youths for the re-opening of industries in Bulawayo as the Second Republic has started a programme to revive industries.
The Lake Gwayi-Shangani project and the Hwange Thermal Power Station Unit 7 and 8 expansion will also enable a number of industries to operate at full throttle,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu said the youths apart from providing the required skills by industries, can also start their own businesses.
He said the empowerment programme will also help address the issue of violence, drug and substance abuse.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube commended Cde Ndlovu for his initiative, saying the programme will go a long way in terms of empowering young people so that they become economically independent.
She urged beneficiaries of the programme to use their skills to grow the economy by starting their own businesses.
Minister Ncube implored Cde Ndlovu to consider setting up a formal college in his constituency so that more youths can benefit.
“These courses are many and it is my hope that no resident will be left behind. I urge all those that are able to undergo training to take advantage of this offer,” she said.
Minister Ncube said the empowered youths can establish companies that can help the city to restore its status as the country’s industrial hub. — @flora_sibanda
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