Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
In a vibrant showcase of excellence, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa brought together mentors from across professional fields to equip participants with life-changing values and a positive vision for the future during her high-impact national boys’ camp.
The boys’ camp was truly top-notch, set against the majestic hills of Matopos National Park, where towering granite domes, roaming wildlife, breathtaking scenic views, and the crisp freshness of unpolluted air created the perfect environment for learning and reflection.
At the National Park, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Dr Mnangagwa led a team of high-profile professionals who guided the boys on making sound life choices regarding careers, embracing the importance of education and steering clear of drug abuse.
Resource persons included professionals from aviation, the uniformed forces (police, army, and prison services), the medical field (doctors and nurses), business, engineering, media, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship and the arts, among others.
Learners, drawn from the country’s 10 provinces, were enlightened on academic requirements and career pathways in different fields. They also had the rare opportunity to interact directly with the First Lady and their role models.
Mother Zimbabwe, as Dr Mnangagwa has become affectionately known due to her sterling nationwide work, unpacked the programme and urged the boys to focus on education and building sustainable careers.
“My aim is for each one of you to identify yourselves in terms of the career you want to pursue. We want to know your talents, what you aspire to become, and guide you on what you should study when you return to your respective schools,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa emphasised that becoming a professional requires discipline and hard work.
“You have to work for your profession. Discipline is the key that drives everything you want to achieve in life. Without it, you will have no focus or respect, and that means you are like a dead walking person.
“You have to study and work hard to achieve your goals. Confidence is also key. When you go back, advise your peers whom you are representing here,” she said.
She stressed that professionals from various fields were present to inspire and guide the boys, as career guidance is the foundation of success.
Mother Zimbabwe also highlighted the central role of education in shaping good decisions.
“If you are educated, your decisions, actions, and leadership will be guided. Education demands commitment and hard work,” she said.
Reminding the boys that they were now her ambassadors, the First Lady urged them to remain exemplary by avoiding negative behaviour.
Condemning drug and substance abuse, she described them as social evils.
“We do not condone drug and substance abuse. A morally upright boy does not indulge in such behaviour it is shameful. No educated person engages in drugs. I want you to be exemplary and live dignified lives,” she said.
She also thanked professionals for sacrificing their time to mentor the boys, reminding the learners to value the rare opportunity.
“They came because of love, remember they are also parents but they came to teach you, if you check their children are not here, but their hearts want to see you do well.
“Be committed in everything you do. Discipline and respect work hand in glove. If you waste this opportunity, you will regret it later, but it will be in vain,” she said.
The camp featured lively and inspiring presentations. A proud teacher, Mr Farai Gerald Mavhunga, stole the limelight, declaring: “Teaching is the mother of all professions.”
He highlighted the qualities of a good teacher through an acronym:
T (Trustworthy and Transparent), E (Empathetic), A (Approachable), C (Caring), H (Hardworking), E (Educated), R (Responsible and Reliable).
“Every profession is a product of teaching. A teacher is a role model whom learners emulate whether in accent, dressing, or behaviour,” he said.
ZBC Radio personality Richmond Siyakurima and television presenter Yvonne Mukondani also showcased their craft. Siyakurima performed a lively Hoza Friday show before handing over to Yvonne, who delivered the 8pm news bulletin with vigour, drawing loud applause.
The Air Force of Zimbabwe thrilled participants when Flight Lieutenant Sindiso Moyo flew a helicopter into the camp, giving the boys a hands-on experience that left them inspired.
Popular dancehall artist Killer T (Kelvin Kusikwenyu) also electrified the gathering with his hit song “Kana Ndanyura”. He thanked the First Lady for grooming the boys and encouraged them to stay away from drugs.
“It doesn’t take drugs and substances to become a musician,” he said.
Businessman and Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president, Dr Denford Mutashu, shared his inspirational story, encouraging the boys to embrace entrepreneurship. Having once lived on the streets, he told the learners that the sky is the limit, with opportunities available in retail, mining, agriculture, and beyond.
Other mentors included Major Hlupheko Moyo of the ZNA, Dr Matthew Mthunzi (medical doctor), Nonhlanhla Mguni (chemical engineer), Juliet Kabasa (ZimParks), and athletics coach Marian Dube, among many others.
The boys engaged the mentors with probing questions, including whether one who runs away from army training could be readmitted.
“During our training we ensure there are no loopholes for one to escape. However, in the unlikely event someone does, it means they have failed our test and there is no readmission,” was the response.
Another learner asked about the highest-paying medical profession and was advised it is neurosurgery. Others asked about what it takes to become a popular artist and about police procedures when a senior officer is arrested. They were told no one is above the law.
Apart from mentorship, the boys showcased their talents. A learner from Masvingo captivated the crowd with dancehall songs in a performance so electric it nearly upstaged Killer T himself.
A traditional ensemble from Matabeleland North also won hearts with its rich cultural display.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Albert Nguluvhe, praised the First Lady’s initiatives, saying they truly resonate with her title Mother Zimbabwe.
He recalled that when he met her in 2018, while congratulating her on the President’s election victory, she pledged to step away from her parliamentary role and dedicate herself fully to her motherly duties a commitment still visible today.
“Our First Lady, your deeds speak for themselves. You are leaving behind a remarkable legacy. You are making the President’s work much easier by taking care of the nation, allowing him to focus on the core business of the country,” he said.
“We have a lot to learn from you. You are reaching all provinces, and I wish to express my gratitude for your dedication to equipping our young boys and girls with life skills and cultural values.
“These efforts are helping them grow into compassionate, confident, and capable individuals who will make a positive impact on our nation as we move towards Vision 2030.” The boys’ camp ended in style, with all provinces walking away with prizes courtesy of the First Lady.
As they bade farewell to Mother Zimbabwe, the atmosphere was emotional some boys danced joyfully to the popular song “Manhanga matete”, while others sang “Ndiani waronga kudai ndimai vakanaka”.
Dr Mnangagwa also launched the Career Guidance and Stay in School Campaign, designed to equip learners with knowledge about emerging professions and prepare them for the ever-evolving job market.
Through this initiative, she continues to empower learners with the confidence to embrace education, reject drugs, and seize opportunities to build responsible and successful futures.
