Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
AS thousands of Zimbabweans converge in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central Province today for the third edition of the Munhumutapa Day commemorations, youths have said the occasion represents far more than a birthday celebration for President Mnangagwa but a resounding testament to the tangible emancipation and empowerment delivered to them by the Second Republic.
With over 260 buses mobilised to transport delegates from all 10 provinces, the event is set to be the largest gathering of youths in recent history.
The logistical operation, which includes the successful hosting of the Munhumutapa Marathon on Saturday, underscores the significance of a day that has now been officially recognised as a national holiday.
For the youths across the country, the narrative is clear – this is a day of delivery, a celebration of a social contract fulfilled, evidenced by the donation of 10-hectare plots, tractors, trucks, heifers, and residential stands that have fundamentally altered the economic trajectory of thousands of young people.
In Matabeleland North, the excitement is palpable. Cde Alvin Lundy Sinzeka, the ZANU PF provincial youth chairman, told The Chronicle that the province is sending a strong contingent to Mashonaland Central.
To facilitate this, 15 buses have been allocated to the province.
“We have been allocated 15 buses as a province to attend the Munhumutapa Day commemorations in Mvurwi,” said Cde Sinzeka.
“We must say, as a province, we are not only celebrating the President’s birthday but we are celebrating empowerment that he has delivered to us as youths.”
Cde Sinzeka highlighted the material benefits that have transformed the lives of young people in his province, shifting them from job seekers to job creators.
“As a province, we recently received seven tractors, 10-hectare plots, and three trucks, which are all helping youths to be productive and have been empowered in a serious way.
“We also benefitted from the heifer scheme and currently, 100 hectares are being developed under the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme where youths will benefit. So, we are going in our numbers to celebrate with the President,” he said.
The empowerment drive is not limited to rural provinces. In Bulawayo, the urban youth have equally embraced the programmes initiated by the President.
Cde Freedom Murechu, who is ZANU PF Bulawayo provincial youth chairman, confirmed that the province has been allocated 10 buses for the journey to Mvurwi.
“We were allocated 10 buses. All these buses will be heading to Mvurwi to commemorate the Munhumutapa Day,” said Cde Murechu.
“As youths in Bulawayo, more than 100 youths benefitted from the 10-hectare plots scheme, seven tractors, and three trucks worth US$200 000. We are also looking forward to the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme that has been specifically designed for the youth.”
The sentiment was echoed in Matabeleland South, where provincial youth chairman Cde Moses Langa declared the province ready to participate in large numbers.
“The province is ready. We have been allocated 15 buses and we will have about 1 000 youths attending including those from Gwanda State University and Gwanda Polytechnic,” said Cde Langa.
“Youths in Mat’South are upbeat and happy with numerous empowerment programmes that have uplifted their livelihoods, including the housing scheme.”
The national mood ahead of the event reflects a youth demographic that feels seen and supported. ZANU PF National Youth League secretary for administration, Cde Tendai Chiwetu, said the preparations were in order, and that the host province, Mashonaland Central, has been allocated the bulk of the transport resources, 100 buses due to its proven mobilisation capacity.
“This is our third edition. The first edition was in Masvingo and then last year it was Zvishavane, and now it is Mash Central,” said Cde Chiwetu.
“We are inviting all the youth across the country, and also across the political divides, to come and celebrate this great day.”
Cde Chiwetu emphasised that the day is a reflection of the economic milestones achieved since 2017, including the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) currency and massive infrastructure development.
“We are more happy because the future belongs to the youth, and the right person in office is there to deliver that
“We have been given tractors, plots, heifers and on Tuesday we are going to witness the launch of the Presidential Housing Scheme to benefits the youths,” he said.
For the youth of Zimbabwe, Tuesday is not merely a holiday, it is a celebration of their emancipation.
