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Rumbidzayi Zinyuke, Senior Health Reporter
Bulawayo is set to host a total of 20 000 youths from across the country for the National Youth Day commemorations slated for Barbourfields Stadium on February 21.
The day, which coincides with former President Robert Mugabe’s birthday, presents a platform for young people to interact with President Mnangagwa and showcase their talents.
Addressing the media at the first post-Cabinet meeting for 2025 yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the hosting of the celebrations in Bulawayo was in line with the thrust of the Second Republic to hold national events rotationally.
“As a national holiday, duly proclaimed and gazette, the event will provide a platform for young people to interact with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa, showcase youth talents, businesses and contributions to national development, raise awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and to increase awareness, commitment and investment in youth development initiatives, programmes and projects,” he said.
The day will run under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure the Future” with the 20 000 young people expected to attend the main event February 21 and is the rest of the youths in all the provinces following proceedings in real time at designated Vocational Training Centres and institutions of higher learning.
Dr Muswere said foreign visitors, including Ministers and Youth Councils representatives from selected African countries, would also be expected to attend the event.
“The pre-celebrations events on 20th February 2025 will attract an estimated total of 5 000 youths drawn from schools and institutions of Higher and Tertiary Education within Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and the adjoining Provinces.
“Highlights of the day will include a sporting and cultural fiesta, youth exhibitions, a clean-up campaign programme, a community outreach programme on Drug and Substance Abuse and the inimitable Ixhiba/ Nhanga/ Gota expose by the First Lady, Amai Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa,” Dr Muswere said.
He said logistical preparations were already underway, with a total of 250 buses earmarked for equitable distribution to the country’s provinces.
Additionally, 15 shuttle buses will be availed to all constituencies in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province for a successful 20th February 2025 programme.
Responding to questions from the media, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said this year’s commemorations would be different from previous years.
“We have invited quite a number of youth entrepreneurs and they are going to be showcasing their talents, businesses, and we also want our youths to see how they are doing their businesses.
“We want them to learn and get ideas on how to start their own projects,” he said.
Online Reporter