Kamativi youths praise economic empowerment

YOUTHS in Kamativi, a rural mining community in Matabeleland North province have expressed their appreciation to the Second Republic for implementing various economic empowerment programmes targeting young people.

The initiatives, particularly in the mining and tourism sectors and other economic spheres have the potential to significantly improve their livelihoods.

The Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra and the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind championed by President Mnangagwa, have been evident in these transformative efforts through attracting mining houses that have ventured into lithium mining.

However, as the nation prepares to commemorate 44 years of independence under the theme “Zim@44 Unity, Peace, and Development Towards Vision 2030”, the youth in Kamativi emphasised the importance of ensuring that economic empowerment initiatives are accessible to rural communities.

In a recent interview, Mr Takemore Sibanda (37) of Kamativi said bridging the gap between rural and urban youths will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

“As we commemorate 44 years of Independence this month, as youths in Kamativi, we express our gratitude for the various economic empowerment programmes initiated by the Second Republic. The immediate economic benefit is the opening of lithium mines here that has seen some of our colleagues being employed,” he said.

Mr Sibanda said various business opportunities, which include grocery shops and fresh produce markets have been availed to mining investments.

“While our elders often proclaim that we are born frees, the reality is that true freedom extends beyond mere existence. It involves economic liberation, which requires concerted efforts to harness the abundant resources available in Kamativi,” he said.

“As young people residing in rural areas, we must be informed about critical Government programmes.”

Mr Sibanda noted that when President Mnangagwa announced a new youth-focused empowerment initiative, it held great promise for them.

He, however, noted that the challenge lies in ensuring that the vision reaches every corner of the country, including rural areas such as Kamativi.

“In my view, youth opportunities tend to benefit our urban counterparts more as they are exposed to various information channels than us. Youth structures and desks within Government ministries play a crucial role in bridging this gap,” said Mr Sibanda.

“By strengthening these structures, we can ensure that youth in both rural and urban areas have equal access to information and opportunities.”

Mr Sibanda said it is critical to have youth ambassadors who would help strengthen youth digital-focused literacy programmes.

“Empowering young people as ambassadors can be impactful. These ambassadors can serve as conduits, relaying information from national initiatives directly to their peers in rural communities,” he said.

“Their first-hand experiences, knowledge, and relatability can bridge the information gap. Also, digital literacy programmes are important because our urban counterparts often have better access to information due to technology hence we should invest in digital literacy programmes for rural youth.”

Mr Sibanda said equipping youths with digital skills will help empower them to access online resources and stay informed.

He said the fact that Kamativi is surrounded by mines and a national park makes it an ideal place for tourism and mining opportunities for locals, who should benefit from the resources.

“Perhaps we are suffering from a lack of adequate knowledge. We need shares in the mining sectors here, and the community share ownership schemes need to be revived,” he said.

The Community Share Ownership Scheme was established to ensure that communities benefit directly from the exploitation of natural resources within their areas.

“As youths, we need to be empowered with knowledge on how to benefit from the resources in our area.

Zimbabwe is open for business and we do not want to be left behind in economic development,” said Mr Sibanda.