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Farai Dauramanzi in KEMPTON PARK, South Africa
The Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa believes in fusing young and old minds to ensure continuity of the development agenda, Concord Young Women in Business Global ICT president Ms Apphia Nyasha Musavengana said yesterday.
Her presentation at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) investment roundtable made her the guest speaker at the South African event to mark youth month for this month at the invitation of South Africa Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Said Ms Musavengana: “In Zimbabwe, the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has made efforts to promote intergenerational co-leadership in driving Vision 2030.
“In this, President Mnangagwa has recognised the importance of involving different generations in decision-making and leadership roles that ensures long-term development and continuity of progress.”
Ms Musavengana said in Zimbabwe, there are deliberate efforts by the Government to raise empowered youths, who will easily fit in leadership roles at the appropriate time.
That had been achieved through empowerment programmes, intergenerational dialogue, youth mentorship programmes, youth representation in critical decision-making bodies and investment in education and skills development.
Such a collaborative approach, she said, was crucial in driving the developmental agenda and ensuring sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
Ms Musavengana said young leaders could not drive sustainable development without the input of experienced and seasoned leaders, who bring a wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and political influence in the attainment of sustainable development.
“By working together, young and experienced leaders can bridge the gap between theory and practice, translating ideas into concrete actions that stand to benefit the continent at large.
“In addition, intergenerational co-leadership facilitates knowledge transfer,” said Ms Musavengana.
Young leaders could learn from the mistakes and achievements of their predecessors, and not to reinvent the wheel.
“Similarly, seasoned leaders could benefit from the fresh perspectives and insights of younger generations, harnessing their enthusiasm and creativity.
“This reciprocal learning process fosters continuous growth, ensuring that the developmental agenda remains up to date and relevant.”
Deputy President Mashatile, who gave the opening address, called for the need to include youths, and not leaving behind those in rural areas, in all spheres of development.
Director responsible for monitoring social programmes in the Zimbabwean Office of the President and Cabinet, Ms Sithabile Nyaningwe, who was part of the Zimbabwe delegation, said the event provided a platform for Harare to draw lessons from the experiences of youths from South Africa.
They also wanted to check on the opportunities that South Africa in particular and Africa at large, should leverage on.
“Africa should ensure the removal of barriers that hinder effective and sustainable empowerment and emancipation of youths and women, given that they lie at the bottom of the socioeconomic development pyramid among other issues.
“Strategies should include investing more in strengthening the capacities of youth and women so that they are able to identify the pathways and opportunities for socioeconomic growth and empowerment,” said Ms Sithabile Nyaningwe.
The highly subscribed event, which is now in its second year, was attended by notable figures including former Vice President of The Gambia Dr Isatou Touray, Turkiye’s Ambassador to South Africa Asegul Kandas, High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore Charlotte Lobe, South Africa’s Statistician General Mr Risenga Maluleke, MEC of Economic Development in Limpopo Province Rodgers Monama and executive deputy chairperson, Ms Karabo Mohale.
Youths drawn from provinces in South Africa also attended the event which is meant to deliberate on the involvement of youths in developmental and economic issues.
Online Reporter