Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
Mashonaland Central will host this year’s Munhumutapa Day celebrations on September 15, with President Mnangagwa expected to headline the national youth event in Mvurwi.
Zanu PF National Youth Affairs Deputy Secretary Cde John Paradza yesterday unveiled a raft of youth empowerment initiatives that will form part of the commemorations, including a youth housing scheme expected to leave a lasting legacy in the province.
The announcement, made before thousands of party youths during a provincial interface in Bindura, was accompanied by the handover of three tipper trucks under the Presidential Youth Empowerment Programme.
Cde Paradza described the decision to bring the national celebrations to Mashonaland Central as recognition of the province’s contribution to youth mobilisation and its support for the ruling party.
“We have come with good news for Mashonaland Central. This year, Munhumutapa Day will be held here on September 15 and the President will be with you,” he said to loud applause.
He challenged every district, ward and branch to mobilise extensively ahead of the celebrations.
“When the President comes, he should not see where the crowd ends. We want massive numbers as we celebrate Munhumutapa Day, the President’s birthday and the work he has done in building the nation,” said Cde Paradza.
He said the celebrations would not merely be ceremonial but would also showcase the Government’s continued investment in empowering young people through economic projects capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.
Cde Paradza also proposed that Munhumutapa Day eventually be recognised as a national public holiday because of its significance in promoting patriotism, national identity and Zimbabwe’s historical legacy.
The youth empowerment drive gathered momentum during the interface when Cde Paradza officially handed over three tipper trucks donated by President Mnangagwa to youths in Mashonaland Central.
He said the trucks should operate as income-generating assets whose proceeds benefit young people across all districts rather than enriching a few individuals.
“These projects are not for specific individuals. They are meant to benefit youths in Mbire, Mount Darwin, Shamva, Guruve, Mazowe, Bindura, Rushinga and every district in Mashonaland Central,” he said.
Cde Paradza warned provincial youth leaders against monopolising the proceeds generated by the equipment.
National Political Commissar Cde Tsungi Makumbe expressed gratitude for Mvurwi being selected as the host town.
He said the celebrations would leave behind tangible benefits through the Munhumutapa Youth Housing Scheme, under which residential stands would be allocated to young people in the province.
“Everywhere the President goes, he leaves a lasting legacy. Here, young people will receive residential stands, and the developer is already on the ground preparing the project,” he said.
Cde Makumbe urged youths from across the country to converge on Mashonaland Central for the celebrations, saying the event would celebrate both Zimbabwe’s rich heritage and the role of young people in national development.
Provincial Youth Chairperson Cde Emmerson Raradza welcomed the announcement that Mashonaland Central would host the national event, saying the province’s youths were ready to stage memorable celebrations.
He said the province had embraced Government empowerment programmes, including the distribution of tipper trucks and other economic opportunities aimed at improving young people’s livelihoods.
Cde Raradza also reiterated the province’s earlier resolution supporting President Mnangagwa’s continued leadership until 2030, arguing that ongoing infrastructure development and empowerment programmes demonstrated the need for policy continuity.
Provincial Chairperson Cde Kazembe Kazembe said hosting Munhumutapa Day was a vote of confidence in Mashonaland Central and pledged that the province would organise a successful national event.
He said the celebrations would provide an opportunity for the province to showcase its development achievements, agricultural potential and investment opportunities to thousands of visitors expected from across Zimbabwe.
Cde Kazembe also urged party leaders to ensure empowerment programmes were implemented transparently so that ordinary youths benefited directly from the projects being rolled out.
Bindura District Youth Chairperson Malvern Nyauyanga said the combination of income-generating equipment, planned housing stands and expanded economic opportunities would ensure that the event leaves a lasting development legacy long after the celebrations conclude on September 15.
