Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
President Mnangagwa is set to arrive in Bulawayo this morning to begin a busy two-day schedule, culminating in the National Youth Day Commemorations at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) tomorrow.
Today, President Mnangagwa will attend the inaugural National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) Competitiveness Summit that started yesterday and will deliver the keynote address.
Before this, the President is set to conduct a tour and commission the new Edgars Stores-owned Carousel Clothing Manufacturing Plant equipment before proceeding to the summit venue.
Tomorrow he will interact with thousands of youths from across the country in commemorations that will be held in halls three and four.
The Competitiveness Summit provides a high-level engagement between key economic stakeholders and President Mnangagwa’s presentation is set to set the tone for solution-based resolutions towards creating a fair level-playing field where business operations across sectors are integrated to drive mutual economic gains.
The platform facilitates a dynamic convergence of public and private sectors, development partners, academia, and other non-state actors to engage in dialogue and develop sustainable reforms and resolutions aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness, according to the NCC.
Speaking ahead of today’s Summit official opening, Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said industry players must heed President Mnangagwa’s call to remove all trade barriers and instilling a sense of competitiveness in driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth. He hopes the Summit deliberations will contribute to strong, actionable outcomes that propel the economy forward.
“The outcomes will assist in crafting sound policies to drive Zimbabwe’s growth. I look forward to robust discussions so that, as policymakers, we can emerge from this platform empowered and clear on what needs to be done,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“The President has given us instructions — we have no choice but to follow that.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, also underscored the need to address the cost of doing business saying the current rates are stifling growth in the sector.
Tomorrow, thousands of enthusiastic youths are set to descend on halls three and four for the Youth Day annual commemorations that will run under the theme: “Empower Youth, Secure the Future.”
Hall Three will specifically be for exhibitions where youths from various tertiary institutions will showcase their innovative brilliance while the main celebrations are slated for Hall Four.
Various tertiary institutions were busy setting up their stands yesterday. In Hall Four, technicians were working on the sound system to ensure when the day comes, everything runs smoothly without any hindrance.
The commemorations were initially set for Barbourfields Stadium but had to be moved to the ZIEC due to the unpredictable weather conditions, more so after the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned of heavy rains exceeding 70 millimetres within 24 hours between yesterday and today in the Matabeleland region and Midlands Province.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Fanuel Tagwira has said universities and colleges are now churning out graduates with knowledge and skills to compete in the 21st century.
He said through Heritage Education 5.0, universities and polytechnic colleges provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen field, equipping them with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The introduction of innovation hubs at institutions of higher learning has been prioritised to promote critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, thereby helping youths and students develop essential life skills.
Meanwhile, as the country prepares for the long weekend in celebration of National Youth Day, the Government has issued a stern warning to transport operators, associations, motorists, and the public regarding road traffic violations.
In a statement yesterday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona emphasised the importance of road safety, reminding all stakeholders that violations of traffic rules and regulations will not be tolerated.
He said the ministry has pledged to take stringent action against those found disregarding the law, including suspending and cancelling licences for transport operators who violate terms, conditions, and road traffic laws.
“As we approach this long weekend’s National Youth Day, I wish to remind and warn all transport operators, associations, motorists, and members of the public that the ministry will take stern measures provided by our laws against those who wantonly and blatantly violate road traffic rules and regulations,” said Mhona.
“The safety and security of all commuting public cannot be taken for granted. We will not hesitate to suspend and cancel licenses of operators who violate terms and conditions of such licences, traffic rules, and regulations.”
The minister also called on all law enforcement agencies to be vigilant during the holiday period to ensure that road traffic laws are enforced and that the safety of all road users is upheld.
“We urge all road traffic law enforcement agencies to be on high alert to enforce the road traffic laws and ensure the safety and security of all road users,” he said.
