Never settle for average, President tells youths

Joseph Madzimure Zimpapers Politics Hub

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called upon the Zimbabwean youth to never settle for the average but rather to work hard and make clean money, following in the footsteps of the innovative Munhumutapa Empire.

Speaking at the Munhumutapa Day commemorations, which coincided with his birthday yesterday, President Mnangagwa stressed that the youth should set up and grow their enterprises, fostering a culture of wealth creation.

Under President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has rolled out various youth empowerment projects, and yesterday he launched the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme in Mvurwi, under which more than 2 000 young people are expected to benefit.

The President rolled out a similar housing project in Masvingo last week.

“I commend the local authorities who are availing land for these projects. Similarly, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund is enabling youth to set up and grow their enterprises, fostering wealth creation and economic inclusion,” said President Mnangagwa.

With regard to agriculture, President Mnangagwa said the Presidential Heifer Pass-on Scheme and Farm Mechanisation Schemes, as well as the Youth Agriculture Plots programme, have seen young people becoming productive participants in the agriculture transformation and national food security agenda.

“I urge more of you to now participate in the agriculture value chains and agro-industries. You must fully utilise new and affordable technologies to make processed products from what is grown on the land,” he emphasised.

He challenged the youth to always remember that excellence is a critical component of their DNA as Zimbabweans.

“The warrior spirit together with the industrious, innovative character trait that helped to build the Great Munhumutapa Empire runs within you. Never settle for average, neither be mere spectators in your own country. Work hard and make money,” he said.

He implored the youth to leverage emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, and deploy their talents and skills towards nation-building.

The Munhumutapa Day commemorations were held under the theme “Honouring the Past, Empowering the Present and Securing the Future”.

President Mnangagwa commended the youth who are excelling in mining, manufacturing and tourism, among other sectors.

“Well done. I urge the leadership at both party level and within communities to work with unity to ensure that all development projects are a success,” said President Mnangagwa.

He assured the nation that the Zanu-PF-led Government will continue to expand empowerment programmes and opportunities for young people.

“My wish is to see the broad empowerment and prosperity of our people so that we get to a point where the question is no longer, why a person has money, but why one has no money. Make clean money and do not engage in corrupt activities,” said President Mnangagwa.

He stated that a prosperous life for all is possible through hard, honest work, discipline and focus.

“This is what you, our young people, must work towards,” he stressed.

Under Zanu-PF, President Mnangagwa said that the youth must always be ready to stand in solidarity with youth leagues of other liberation movements and progressive organisations throughout the world.

He said the relations must advance trade and exchanges that improve communities and the nation as a whole.

“The spirit and values of Pan-Africanism, self-determination and solidarity should remain central in all our engagements with the outside world,” he said.

Furthermore, President Mnangagwa implored the young generation to reject and shun corruption, tribalism, regionalism and other divisive tendencies.

“Our forefathers, along with those that fought in the armed liberation struggle, did not endure hardships and sacrifice life and limbs for you today, to surrender your precious lives to drugs and substance abuse. No. Tinoti kwete. Hatidi vechidiki vanoparadzwa nezvinodhaka. Pasi nemadrugs. Pasi nemitoriro. Pasi neGuka,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged the youth to pursue their livelihoods with dignity and purpose.

“I urge you, the young people of Zimbabwe, to also reject crime and violence. Be respectful, exemplary and disciplined, always seek productive work, education and skills to develop yourselves as well as the communities you live. Volunteer and do community work to make life better for others,” said President Mnangagwa.

He challenged the young people of Zimbabwe to remain vigilant, safeguarding the hard-won independence, sovereignty, freedom, democracy, unity and peace.

He also challenged the youth to be innovative and strive to be the best in their dealings.