Live coverage – First YSZ batch graduate

Tadious Manyepo at DADAYA Training Centre 09.20 – The first batch of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) trainees is passing-out today at Dadaya Youth Training Centre in Zvishavane. The program, previously known as the National Youth Service and discontinued in 2019,was relaunched by President Mnangagwa in Murehwa early this year. And the first batch with a total of 831 recruits get their caps after completing the rigorous six months of training today. Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire is presiding over the event. 09.32 – The beautifully-dressed recruits are formed-up in five ranks. Minister Machakaire is invited to inspect the parade and he duly enters. He is impressed with the turn-out and subsequently allows them to march past in “slow and quick time”. The procession is on and the parents are ecstatic 09.34 – Minister Machakaire inspects parade 09.36 –  Recruits leading themselves in parade What makes this parade unique is the fact that it is the recruits themselves leading each other. They are the parade commanders, super-numerals, parade adjutants and there is absolutely no instructor directing them. 09.45 – Military and para-military drills have the tendency to start on low notes then escalate in their crescendo. Onlookers are on their feet as the recruits are doing nothing but confirming they are no longer those idle youths they were before they touched base at Dadaya. It’s a spectacle! 09.49 – Minister Machakaire ready to address the recruits The recruits have marched in “review order” to get closer to the saluting stage and get to listen to Minister Machakaire’s keynote address. They have sung the Youth Song which is so deep in meaning and they are ready to get what the Guest OF Honour has to say. The recruits are not confined to Midlands only but they have come from all over Zimbabwe. 10.42 –  Parade marches off, pass-out parade done The parade, composed of five ranks, seven super numerals, one parade commander and 831 recruits is marching off to signal the end of the program. Hoping to have you on the ride at the next YSZ pass-out in Vumba, Manicaland Province.