Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Tertiary institutions such as Bulawayo Polytechnic are equipping students with practical knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial skills that can transform industries, create employment and strengthen local production, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube has said.
Speaking during an engagement with students at Bulawayo Polytechnic, Minister Ncube said young people were already playing an important role in Zimbabwe’s development and should be empowered to contribute meaningfully to the country’s industrialisation agenda.
“The theme, Harnessing Students’ Potential for Sustainable industrialization and Vision 2030 reminds us that students are not merely preparing for tomorrow.
“They are already active contributors to our nation’s development.
“Your ideas, creativity, creativity, technical skills and the entrepreneurial spirit are essential ingredients for building a modern and competitive economy,” she said.
Minister Ncube said the country’s pursuit of Vision 2030 required the active participation of young people, particularly those being trained in technical and vocational institutions.
“As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, the participation of young people will be indispensable. Institutions such as Bulawayo Polytechnic are equipping students with practical knowledge and innovation that can transform industries, create employment and strengthen local production,” she said.
She challenged students to pursue excellence while developing solutions that respond to the needs of industry and communities.
“I encourage every student here to embrace excellence, discipline and continuous learning, seek opportunities to innovate, collaborate with industry and develop solutions that respond to the needs of our communities.
“The future of sustainable industrialisation depends on young young people, young minds that are willing to think boldly and act responsibly,” she said.
The lecture has brought together students drawn from various faculties, providing them with an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers on issues affecting industry, enterprise development and Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda.
Such engagements are critical in bridging the gap between Government policy and the aspirations of young people, who are central to driving innovation, entrepreneurship and employment creation.
The interaction also provides students with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of Government programmes and opportunities available to support entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
For policymakers, direct engagement with students provides valuable insight into challenges confronting young innovators and entrepreneurs.
The exchange can help shape more responsive policies while encouraging students to translate academic knowledge and technical skills into practical solutions that contribute to industrialisation, local production and economic growth.
