Online Reporter
Farai Dauramanzi
Echo Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has reinforced Government’s commitment to building a stronger, modernised and industrialised Zimbabwe that leaves no one behind.
Addressing thousands of people gathered for the inaugural Munhumutapa Day celebrations in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central this afternoon, the President said the commemoration is about honouring the country’s pre-colonial heritage and drawing lessons for national development.
“The Munhumutapa Empire remains a great symbol of what a sophisticated pre-colonial society with advanced organisational systems could achieve. It was built on economic agility, cultural depth, courage, innovation, hard work and self-determination,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the empire commanded vast commercial networks long before colonial rule and harnessed the country’s rich natural resources of gold and copper for wider trade and international interaction.
“The Munhumutapa Kingdom was a monumental centre of trade and African statecraft. There are many lessons to be drawn from the rise of the empire with regards to governance, international relations, the economy, as well as spirituality. These will guide us in our present time,” he said.
“It is in honour of this background and for the immortalisation of our rich cultural heritage that we celebrate Munhumutapa Day.”
On youth empowerment, the President said Government will continue to create a conducive environment for young people to participate in governance and community development.
He urged more young people to participate in agriculture, value addition and the use of modern technologies to process products from what is grown on Zimbabwean land.
“As youth, excellence is a component of your DNA. The warrior spirit, together with the restless, innovative character trait that runs through you, demands that you never settle for average. Work hard and make money. You must be brave, adventurous and courageous enough to make mistakes in your journey to break new ground,” he said.
The President commended the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme for offering opportunities for young people to own houses, and praised local authorities for availing land for the project.
He also said the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund is enabling youth to start and grow their enterprises, with many already excelling in mining and manufacturing.
