Online Reporter
Zanu PF First Secretary, President Mnangagwa, will this afternoon address the Party’s National Youth League National Assembly.
The meeting is being attended by the ZANU-PF Youth League national executive members and 10 provincial chairpersons.
It is being convened after the youth received the Youth Empowerment Fund, and as youth business units are being established.
This meeting comes ahead of the Party’s Annual National People’s Conference, set to take place in Mutare from October 13-18.
The National Youth Assembly is being run under the theme, “Fuel Youth: Ignite The Future.”
Sit back and relax as our reporters, Joseph Madzimure and Gibson Nyikadzino, and chief photographer Believe Nyakudjara, bring you live updates from the Zanu PF Headquarters in Harare.
President Mnangagwa arrives at Zanu PF HQ
Zanu PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa, has arrived at the Party headquarters for the Zanu PF Youth League National Assembly.
The National Assembly is running under the theme, “Fuel Youth: Ignite The Future.”
The meeting is being attended by the ZANU-PF Youth League national executive members and 10 provincial chairpersons.
Zanu PF Secretary for Women’s League Cde Mabel Chinomona is also in attendance.
National Assembly kicks off
President Mnangagwa has entered the auditorium, accompanied by National Youth Secretary Cde Tino Machakaire and his Deputy Cde John Paradza.
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi entered earlier, along with the Party’s Chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Members of the Youth Assembly chant revolutionary slogans in wild frenzy as the leaders take their seats.
Youth League Political Commissar Cde Tsungi Makumbe introduces President Mnangagwa, the Vice Presidents, the National Chairperson, and other senior Party officials attending the meeting after the singing of the National Anthem.
The National Youth Assembly meeting is being held under the theme “Fuel Youth: Ignite the Future.”
This theme serves as a rallying call for the youth to actively participate in various sectors of the economy, including farming, mining, and ICT, to industrialise the economy.
Provincial chairpersons rally behind the President
Youth League Secretary for Administration Cde Tendai Chiwetu reads the convocation and reminds people of the main functions of the Youth League as highlighted in Article 26 of the Zanu PF constitution.
He introduces the delegates to the meeting in accordance with Article 26, Section 3.3.2 of the party constitution.
Chairpersons of provincial Youth Leagues introduce themselves and express their support for President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Youths thank President for funding development initiatives
Zanu PF provincial youth chairpersons have thanked President Mnangagwa for funding development initiatives that have enabled youths to invest their innovations towards industrialisation at both community and national levels.
The 10 provincial chairpersons also pledged to rally behind President Mnangagwa’s vision through party structures and mobilise party machinery to support his administration.
They said youths have worked hard across the country to ensure Zanu PF retains its vibrancy by winning all the by-elections held.
President ED’s work ethic renders opposition irrelevant: Cde Paradza
Deputy Secretary of Youth Affairs, Cde John Paradza, has praised President Mnangagwa for his pragmatic leadership, which has prioritised national development, efforts he said have rendered the opposition irrelevant.
Cde Paradza said projects materialised since the inception of the Second Republic in November 2017 are testimony to President Mnangagwa’s determination to lift people out of poverty and improve access to social services.
“Because of what you have done through your pragmatic leadership philosophy, this has rendered the opposition irrelevant.
“We are therefore saying, the resolution to have you as our leader until 2030 is not in dispute,” Cde Paradza said.
Youth Secretary praises President Mnangagwa’s support for youth empowerment
Zanu PF Secretary for Youth Affairs, Cde Tino Machakaire, is now on the podium delivering his keynote address.
Cde Machakaire expressed his gratitude to President Mnangagwa for attending the National Youth Assembly.
“Your leadership continues to be a guiding light to uplift our livelihoods. Your support towards youth empowerment projects is practical. We have already embarked on the journey to empower the youth through your initiatives.”
He highlighted that empowerment initiatives such as the farm mechanisation programme and mining mechanisation programmes, among others, are already bearing fruit.
Cde Machakaire commended President Mnangagwa for making National Youth Service programmes available across the country.
“We are appealing to your Government offices to open employment opportunities in Government ministries,” said Cde Machakaire.
He noted that the youth are happy with the developmental trajectory taking shape across the country.
Cde Machakaire also appealed to the Government to provide scholarships to local university students so they can complete their studies.
He urged the youth to exercise a high level of discipline by following the party constitution.
Cde Machakaire then invited Vice President Chiwenga to introduce the guest of honour, President Mnangagwa.
Focus on innovation and national development: VP Chiwenga
Youths have been urged to focus on innovation and national development, as the party is at a critical juncture to deliver on its national goals, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga says.
He noted that the National Youth Assembly gathering takes place at a crucial moment, as the party embarks on a transformative journey to achieve its national development goals.
“Under President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership, he has ensured the party remains focused and united despite efforts by detractors to sow division,” Dr Chiwenga stated.
He emphasised that the youths have always been the vanguard of the party.
“Today you are like what we were, and one day you will be what we are. The task before the youth of today is to concentrate on innovation and national development, guided by President Mnangagwa, as we march towards ensuring an upper-middle-income economy.”
He then introduced President Mnangagwa and invited him to the podium.
Defend our independence, revolution: President
Zanu PF President and First Secretary Cde Mnangagwa has called upon the youth to defend the country’s independence and be torchbearers who carry forward and defend the revolution as the country marches toward Vision 2030 goals.
He stated that the recently concluded Heroes and Zimbabwe Defence Forces holidays should serve as a reflection of the sacrifices made by liberators.
He reminded the youth that the future of this country rests on their shoulders, and constant gatherings should re-energise and sharpen the youth’s ideological orientation.
Regarding discipline, he said, “Cdes have discipline; they are obedient and know the correct revolutionary line. Cdes understand that when they depart from principle, they will be disciplined and reprimanded.”
He challenged the National Youth Assembly to develop programmes grounded in the practical interests of the people, rather than driven by individualism.
He urged the youth to prioritise hard and honest work and to take advantage of the Presidential Livestock Scheme to increase and create wealth.
Zanu PF is set to launch a mining scheme to help youths enable them to work hard toward national development.
“To identify project beneficiaries, no one and no place should be left behind; carry everyone on board. Empowerment must extend to the grassroots and not be concentrated in the upper levels of your structures. Bringing everyone on board will ensure the party lives forever.”
He urged leaders to embrace values that sustain successful businesses, including discipline, integrity, innovation, adaptation, and resilience.
“There are no shortcuts to success. Create lasting brands and manage resources carefully. Be methodical, articulate, and willing to learn every day. Shun dishonesty and corruption. Say no to quick and easy money. Be creators of wealth, not mere consumers.”
He encouraged the youth to teach each other the principles of the wartime song, Nzira DzeMasoja.
“Do not exploit the people,” President Mnangagwa said.
Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter