Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
The lasting values and principles championed by the country’s forebears during the protracted liberation struggle remain alive and must be sustained by the country’s youths, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address to more than 30 000 youths during the National Youth Day commemorations held at Igava Training Centre in Marondera, Mashonaland East province on Saturday, the President emphasised the importance of the younger generation in upholding these ideals to ensure they continue to shape the nation’s future, in alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.
“As you are aware, the National Youth Day is rooted in lasting values and principles which were championed by our forebears during our protracted struggle against colonialism and the war of liberation.
“Those values remain alive and must be sustained by you, our young people. These also form the bedrock upon which you must defend our country’s sovereignty, Independence, and freedom, while also advancing unity, development, modernisation and industrialisation.
“In this regard, never-ever forget that we are masters of our own destiny,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the youth are not merely spectators in the country’s current economic development trajectory, but are active participants, demonstrating remarkable leadership.
The accomplishments and milestones realised by the youth in various fields, he added, confirm that they are indeed becoming architects of Zimbabwe’s future.
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa greet thousands of people who gathered for the National Youth Day celebrations at Igava Training Centre in Marondera on Saturday. – Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.
Under the Second Republic, many youths are embracing projects and programmes for climate-smart and modern agriculture, infrastructure development, digital technologies and entrepreneurship.
“What we are witnessing across the country reflects that the quest to Vision 2030 of becoming an ‘empowered and prosperous upper-middle income society,’ is on course,” he said.
“Well done. Carry on in this direction, shun finger-pointing, bickering and divisive agenda.
“Organise, mobilise, raise awareness and promote the policies and programmes of the Second Republic.”
President Mnangagwa rallied the youth to shun drug and substance abuse and to stay focused as the country progresses towards achieving upper-middle-class economic status.
“Regai mutoriro, tumbwa, mbanje neGuka. Resist, reject drug and substance abuse,” the President said.
“The future of Zimbabwe is in your hands. Together in unity, let us keep marching forward, building a brighter, prosperous future; the Zimbabwe we all want, brick by brick, stone upon stone.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.
The President then called on the younger generation to remain loyal, patriotic and true to Zimbabwe.
“Kupise, kutonhore, rambayi makamira nenyika yekwedu. Mumire neMusangano wakaunza rusununguko, Musangano nehutungamiri hweZANU PF,” said President Mnangagwa.
“I urge the youth across all provinces to continue to abide by the teachings of ZANU PF and the correct line of the party.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya (right) greets Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda during the National Youth Day celebrations at Igava Training Centre in Marondera on Saturday.
“Through political education, mobilisation and visibility, continuously win more young people into Party structures. Resist the temptation of being visible only during such commemorations.”
He said the shameful agenda of saboteurs, sell-outs, and counter-revolutionaries, who seek to advance neo-imperial agendas for “a few pieces of silver and false fame”, will never succeed.
“As a sovereign nation and independent people, we make no apologies for our sacred duty to continuously defend as well as advance our national interest, for our own good and the well-being of our people.
“Pasi nevatengesi,” said the President.
He commended the youth for attending the celebrations in their numbers, saying this reflected their sense of self-awareness.
“Kuuya kwenyu nehuwandu, zvinoratidza shungu dzenyu pakuda kuvaka nyika yekwedu. Zvinoratidza zvekare kuti munoziva kuti, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, nekunamatigwa nevene vayo’, Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo”.
“Tinodada nemi vechidiki. Ngazvirambe zvakadaro. Pamberi nemayouth edu. Pamberi nekuvaka nyika. Pasi nehusimbe.”
The National Youth Day celebrations also featured a pass-out parade for youths trained under the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme in 2025.
A total of 2 123 youths completed their training under the programme last year.
President Mnangagwa affirmed that the Government will continue to promote access to education and empowerment for the youth.
“The youth of yesteryear played their part to bring about the independence, freedom, peace and unity we are enjoying.
“You, the youth of today, must never shy away from playing your part in the ongoing development initiatives in our country.
“No matter the province you come from, always know that you are all daughters and sons of a united Zimbabwe, one nation, with one vision and destiny.
“You are all important to the future of our country. Stand tall and be proud of being Zimbabwean and being African,” he said.
The President also commended youths in the Diaspora who were also holding commemorations abroad.
“This is commendable. Well done to you all.”
National Youth Service members at the celebrations.
“Hold on to your rich Zimbabwean heritage and know that this country will always be your home,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the ZANU PF-led Government upholds an open-door policy that reflects its interactive nature.
“Our ZANU PF Government is from the people and by the people. We shall always be found among our people, hearing, speaking with them and charting the future of our country as a united people.
“Hutungamiri hweZANU PF hucharamba huri pavanhu, tichikurukura tose, kuti tovaka sei nyika yekwedu, tichifamba pamwe chete.
“This year’s National Youth Day affords us time of reflection, renewal and recommitment to the vital role which the youth play in our country’s ongoing socio-economic development,” he said.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Also in attendance were Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Cabinet Ministers and ZANU PF Politburo and Central Committee members, among others.
