‘Liberation values remain alive & sacred’:“Those values remain alive and must be sustained by you, our young people

THE lasting values and principles championed by the country’s forebears during the liberation struggle remain alive and must be upheld by the youth, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing more than 30 000 young people during National Youth Day commemorations at Igava Training Centre in Marondera, Mashonaland East province, on Saturday, the President underscored the central role of the younger generation in safeguarding these ideals and ensuring they continue to shape Zimbabwe’s future in line with 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 bystanders in the country’s economic progress but active players already demonstrating leadership. He said the achievements recorded across various sectors show that young Zimbabweans are becoming architects of the nation’s future, embracing climate-smart agriculture, infrastructure development, digital innovation and entrepreneurship under the Second Republic.

“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. 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,” he said.

The President urged youths to reject drug and substance abuse, calling for focus and discipline as the country pushes toward upper-middle-income status.

“Regai mutoriro, tumbwa, mbanje neGuka. Resist, Reject drug and substance abuse. 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,” President Mnangagwa said.

He also called on young people to remain patriotic and loyal to the country.

“Kupise, kutonhore, rambayi makamira nenyika yekwedu. Mumire neMusangano wakaunza rusununguko, Musangano nehutungamiri hweZANU PF. I urge the youth across all provinces to continue to abide by the teachings of ZANU PF and the correct line of the Party. Through political education, mobilisation and visibility, continuously win more young people into Party structures. Resist the temptation of being visible only during such commemorations,” said President Mnangagwa.

He warned that efforts by saboteurs and “counter revolutionaries” would not 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 praised the strong turnout at the celebrations, saying it reflected youth commitment to national development.

“Kuuya kwenyu nehuwandu, zvinoratidza shungu dzenyu pakuda kuvaka nyika yekwedu. Zvinoratidza zvekare kuti munoziva kuti, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, nekunamatirwa nevene vayo’, Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, li-khu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo’. Tinodada nemi vechidiki. Ngazvirambe zvakadaro. Pamberi nema youth edu. Pamberi nekuvaka nyika. Pasi nehusimbe.”

The commemorations also included a pass out parade for youths trained under the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) programme, with 2 123 graduates completing the course in 2025.

President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Government’s commitment to expanding educational and empowerment opportunities for young people.

“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.

He also commended youths in the Diaspora who held their own commemorations.

“This is commendable. Well done to you all. 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 operates with an open-door approach rooted in constant engagement with citizens.

“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, Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Cabinet Ministers and senior ZANU PF officials.