Sandra Ndebele empowers youths

HUNDREDS of from Ward 20 in Bulawayo are benefitting from projects that are being implemented by Cde Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi who is vying for the council seat in the August 23 harmonised elections under the Zanu-PF ticket.

Most of the beneficiaries are involved in self-sustaining businesses such as culinary and cosmetology.

Cde Ndebele-Sibindi on Saturday held an event in the ward during which the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni urged youths to develop projects that will cater for their livelihoods.

“If you manage to develop small projects that sustain your lives you will be creating mini-industries at your doorsteps, which will change your lives. I am proud of Sandra Ndebele for what she is doing in the community to ensure that there is development and progression in people’s lives,” she said.

“She is a role model and this is what most young women should strive to be. She is very humble and has ubuntu in her that is why you find that she excels in most of her projects.”

Dr Nyoni said she was proud to learn that 66 youths have been employed in the healthcare industry, while others are working in fast food outlets.

“In just a short period of time she has already made a significant impact in your lives and this is what we expect from the youths.

“Work together to develop each other for a better future,” she said.

“Sandra Ndebele was born a leader and she is very selfless person. She uses her God-given talent to pursue her interests and that is what the youth here should be emulating.”

Dr Nyoni urged residents to start small scale organisations that will help nurture them in the business sector.

“Start market gardening projects, venture into beading, cosmetics, and curios which is quite a lucrative business if handled well. All this you can do in your backyards,” she said.

“Once these are set up we will develop stalls and areas where you can work from so that we have a sense of professionalism.”

The minister urged residents to vote for Cde Ndebele-Sibindi, saying she is a hand-on leader who will be able to represent the local community.

“It is your time as the youth and voters to make a choice and the choice is Sandra Ndebele. You are testimony of what she is doing and what she can do,” said Dr Nyoni.

“Look at yourselves and see how happy and united you are. This is because of her and that is why she is the right candidate for the job.”

With a deep inclination to being the voice of the voiceless, not only in the arts sector, Cde Ndebele-Sibindi a few months ago made known her ambition and intention to contest in the forthcoming harmonised elections.

“There is a huge gap that needs to be filled in the political strata. There are many academics and very few people-oriented persons that know how to address people’s needs. I am fortunate enough to have accomplished my basic academics and know how to engage people,” said Cde Ndebele-Sibindi.

She said as a young woman interested in voicing concerns in the political sphere, she was encouraged by the results of past elections.

“There is still much work to be done in society to actually achieve equality in politics.

“While it might seem like we are getting closer as more women run for political offices than before, this does not always translate to women being elected to office,” she said.