adminfrom participating in the mainstream economy.
In his US$4 billion budget recently, Minister Biti allocated US$2 million to the youths for projects, a figure the latter described as an “insult”.
In an interview on Monday, Zimbabwe Youth Council chairman, Mr Hamilton Pazvakavambwa, said the minister was trying to reverse Government’s economic empowerment drive.
“It has been an elimination of the empowerment programme by substitution of the employment agenda. Instead of putting more money to empowerment, he (Biti) has put US$2 million for (a) jobs fund for companies to employ young people yet we thought young people were supposed to be entrepreneurs,” he said.
“His decision for youths to get money through Stanbic is also questionable. If Stanbic wants to take a positive step forward into youths development then why not follow the Old Mutual way and assist in projects that can see the youths of this country prosper,” he said.
Old Mutual recently launched a US$30 million Youths Fund, where young people will get money for various projects. Mr Pazvakavambwa said agendas of known political parties should not be reflected in national budgets.
“As young people, we refuse to support anything that ties us to a certain political following and ideology. The Minister should be reminded that he should not settle his political and personal scores on a national budget that determines the lives of many,” he said.
Online Reporter