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Midlands Reporter
YOUTHS across the country have commended the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa for prioritising them in key sectors of the economy like farming, construction and mining.
They said the new dispensation has managed to bridge the gap between Government departments and the youths which has been the missing link.
Young champion farmer, who is also the Agricultural Ambassador for Germany-based organisation DeutschConnect Mr John Muchenje said they were happy with the progress made.
“As youth we are very pleased with the way Government is running its affairs. We are seeing a shift from an informal-based economy to formal-based one. President Mnangagwa has pledged to prioritse the youth in land redistribution and downsizing which is a positive sign for us. It shows that he values us a young people,” he said.
“Recently in Masvingo Province the Government gave youth fishing licences. What is required here is for us young people to change our perception, the way we think so that we tap into the President’s Vision 2030,” he said.
“We need to be creative and innovative rather than being negative on Government programmes. The Government must address the issue of land so that we work collectively for our country. Our economy needs a collective approach not individualism.”
Mr Muchenje said the Government must also include youth in most parastatal boards and other Government appointments so that they are fairly represented in all sectors on the economy.
Another young farmer from Manicaland Province, Mr Justice Matsatsira — who runs a piggery project — said they were very grateful for having a listening leader in President Mnangagwa.
“Youths constitute around 60 percent of the general population and their concerns must be addressed with urgency and properly. We are very lucky to have such a leader who gives young people a listening ear,” he said.
Mr Matsatsira said there was need for Government to expedite the land issue.
“A lot of youth are raring to get into farming but land availability is the major challenge. We are happy that the President has spoken about it and as youth we are waiting,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Sunduza, a young farmer based in Bulawayo and is into horticulture, applauded the Government on ensuring that the youth are empowered.
“The New Dispensation has taken youth empowerment to another level compared to the previous leadership. We are very pleased with the level of youth involvement on most Government programmes such as Command Agriculture, mining and road construction,” he said.
Mr Sunduza said there was need for the Government to look into the issue of funding for projects.
“We are happy that Empower Bank is there but the bank must be able to serve us effectively since it’s our bank. The bank belongs to the youth and we are direct beneficiaries therefore everything within the bank must prioritise youths regardless of our status,” he said.
Online Reporter