Online Reporter
Trust Freddy, Harare Bureau
NATIONAL Youth Day celebrations set to take place at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Friday will be an inclusive event, open to all regardless of political affiliation, with preparations about 75 percent complete, a Deputy Minister has said.
Under the Second Republic the day was declared a national holiday and so the celebrations are open to all in the nation.
The celebrations, which are set to be presided over by President Mnangagwa, are expected to attract over 20 000 youths from across the country, running under the theme: “Empower youth: Secure the future.”
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mupamhanga told our Harare Bureau yesterday that preparations were progressing well with Government closely working with the private sector to provide food and merchandise for participants at the event.
“As of now, we are approximately 75 percent through our process,” he said. “We have arranged for buses to transport attendees from various districts to Bulawayo and local shuttle services will be available to ensure smooth movement within the city from 20-21 February.”
Organisers were working tirelessly to ensure that every attendee received food, as part of their efforts to make the National Youth Day celebrations a success.
“An inter-Ministerial Central Co-ordination Team has been established to oversee event logistics, including venue set-up and vendor management. We are working closely with local businesses to provide food and merchandise for attendees.”
He stressed that the celebrations are open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
“The National Youth Day indeed has its origins from Zanu-PF and is also known as the 21st February Movement, which also coincided with the late President Cde RG Mugabe’s birthday. However, under the Second Republic, this day was made a national holiday and is inclusive of all youths in Zimbabwe and beyond. Our emphasis is on the unity of all toiling people across the political, religious, and racial divide. So, to answer you, it is for everyone.”
The Deputy Minister also assured the public that tight security measures will be in place, guaranteeing everyone’s safety during the event.
“A comprehensive security plan is in place, involving collaboration with the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police), President’s Office and Youth Service graduate ushers will be in place.
“Security personnel will be deployed at key points to ensure the safety of everyone attending.
“We are committed to making this event a success and will continue to update you as we finalise our preparations. As we strive to expand the National Youth Day we will facilitate cooperation from all stakeholders to make sure we are bigger and better each year.”
The day coincides with the late former President Robert Mugabe’s birthday, presenting a platform for young people to interact with President Mnangagwa and showcase their talents.
The events of February 21 will centre around showcasing Government programmes that promote youth empowerment and development, youth talent, raising awareness of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe, as well as digital skills for youth.
They will also provide opportunities for youth networking, capacity building, market linkages, and awareness-raising on prevalent emerging issues, including drug and substance abuse.
A clean-up campaign and a community outreach on drug and substance abuse, led by Youth Service in Zimbabwe will be part of the day’s events.
Additionally, there will be youth dialogue sessions promoting Youth Service in Zimbabwe and digital skills and coding, exhibitions, Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba interactions, music, dance, and sporting activities, and a culture night.
While the national event will take place in Bulawayo, youths in all provinces will follow proceedings in real-time from designated vocational training centres and institutions of higher learning.
