Online Reporter
Bulawayo was all youthful exuberance yesterday as it hosted the eighth edition of the National Youth Day themed “Empower Youth, Secure the Future.”
The Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre was bustling as youths from all over the country marked their day, whose roots go back to the 21st February Movement. Introduced in 1986, the movement sought to encourage youths to emulate the patriotism, selflessness, fortitude and upright qualities that defined the then Prime Minister, Cde Robert Mugabe who became President the following year. Cde Mugabe’s birthday was February 21.
As soon as he assumed the presidency in November 2017, President Mnangagwa declared February 21 as National Youth Day to not only celebrate the birthday of his immediate predecessor and mentor, but also perpetuate all that he stood for from the days of the liberation struggle to his post-Independence leadership of the country.
Yesterday, President Mnangagwa led proceedings at this very important day on the national calendar.
In his address, he recognised the big turnout of young ones at the event and implored them to unitedly and diligently forge ahead in their various endeavours.
“This National Youth Day is set aside and dedicated to recognising the potential of you, the young people of our country,” he said.
“We, your leaders, believe in your potential and will continue to ensure that your zeal and energy are harnessed so that you accomplish your dreams and aspirations and ultimately, our national Vision 2030. The huge turnout, peaceful, jovial, and electric atmosphere characterising this gathering is a reflection of our collective unity and defining national character as an independent and sovereign people.”
He added:
“We also have a chance to chart and refine the journey we are taking for a brighter future, particularly the role of you; our young people. In undertaking this critical task, remain emboldened by the virtues of courage, selfless sacrifice, and bravery which were defining among the youths of yesteryear. They took up arms against the oppressive colonial regime and brought us independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, and democracy.”
We are glad that the celebration has become so popular among our youths that they voluntarily came from all over the country to participate. We are sure that everyone who attended recognises the principles that underpin the day.
We are sure too that, as they return to their respective bases today, they are taking with them the President’s message. The need for them to work hard to fulfil their dreams, to uphold national unity, to be as courageous and diligent as the country’s liberators. The imperative of putting the national interest ahead of personal comfort.
Anyone who lives by these virtues will be successful in their lives, and would be useful in the collective effort to develop the motherland.
