Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
AS the country prepares to celebrate 44 years of independence on Thursday, youths from Matabeleland South have rallied their peers across the country to take a stand and safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.
Before independence in 1980, a majority of blacks, especially youths were confined to doing menial jobs as domestic workers or general hand duties at companies and Government.
Since independence, Government has come up with several programmes to empower youths who are now actively involved in the mainstream economy, politics and leadership in both private and public sectors.
Youths now play an active role in the development of the nation and they now hold key positions in mining, agriculture, tourism, arts, manufacturing, education and health.
In an interview, Matabeleland South National Assembly youth quarter representative, Cde Tinashe Mushipe, said it was important for youths to celebrate independence which brought freedom they are enjoying today.
“Youths are now able to be authors of their own destiny, thanks to the gains of the liberation struggle which led to the country’s independence. There are many benefits, which we are enjoying today as the youths but what I can point out is that we now have access to land, mines, businesses and houses among other empowerment opportunities,” he said.
“It’s important that as the independence day approaches we reflect on these benefits that we are enjoying today. We have to take a stand as youths and speak out about the significant role that was played by the freedom fighters.
“We also have to take a lead in safeguarding the liberation gains and ensuring that we preserve our independence.”
Cde Mushipe said youths have also been empowered through education as there are more schools and tertiary institutions across the country. He said the academic curriculum has also been tailor-made to empower youths and commended Government for coming up with programmes to finance education for the vulnerable at all levels.
Cde Linda Moyo who is councillor for Gwanda Rural Ward 3 under the women’s quota system said the country needs a breed of youths that will take over the baton stick and protect the nation’s resources.
She said there is a need to understand the values and sacrifices of the liberation fighters and applauded the Government’s empowerment drive.
“The liberation fighters experienced de-humanising segregation during the colonial era. Today we are enjoying the fruits of being liberated because of the sacrifice of our heroes,” said Cde Moyo.
She said youths now have businesses, farms and mines while others hold key positions in both the public and private sector.
“As a young woman I’m now able to participate in governance issues because our country has been liberated. Government after independence has ensured that youths have equal access to empowerment opportunities,” she said.
Cde Aldonia Gondo said the sacrifice of the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who participated in the liberation struggle will forever be cherished by the youths. He said involvement of youths in governance and key decision issues is a clear indication that Government values the input of youths.
“The corporate world, various sectors and institutions also value the involvement of youths. This was not possible before independence,” he said.
Government has made great strides in delivering on its promises to empower youths as thousands have now been economically empowered. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter