Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Writer
MATABELELAND South farmer, Ms Sithabile Gandi-Ndlovu, has raised the province’s flag high after earning a prize at the National Youth Symposium through the Youth Excellency Award, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in agribusiness in 2025.
Ms Gandi-Ndlovu received the award from President Emmerson Mnangagwa for her A Life A Day (ALAD) Youth Empowerment Programme.
She said the award is testament that, when given an opportunity, youths from formerly marginalised communities can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
“To me, this Youth Excellency Award is a profound validation. It affirms that young people, when given a platform and support, are not just future leaders but current drivers of change. A crucial part of this support comes from the corporate sector’s commitment to shared value.
“When businesses strategically invest in youth initiatives, they do not just fulfil CSR; they unlock immense potential for innovation and economic growth. I have seen firsthand how such partnerships can transform ideas into tangible enterprises through the work we are doing with National Foods Limited for the past two years under the A Life A Day (ALAD) Youth Empowerment Programme,” said Ms Gandi-Ndlovu.
She said it is critical that in sectors such as agribusiness, youths leverage technology and sustainable practices to enhance food security and eradicate poverty, directly contributing to the nation’s resilience.
“This award reaffirms a powerful philosophy we are championing — starting where we are, with what we have. For me, working in the rural areas of Matabeleland South, it proves that rural industrialisation is not just a concept, but a practical and sustainable economic and social safety net.
“We are demonstrating that value addition, manufacturing, and enterprise can thrive right where the resources are, creating wealth within our communities.
“As a young lady from Matabeleland South, this award holds special significance. It is a powerful testament to His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa’s philosophy of ‘Leaving No One and No Place Behind.’ Seeing this commitment in action is incredibly empowering. It tells every young girl in Bulilima, Beitbridge, and across our province that their dreams are valid, their ambitions are seen, and their place in the national development agenda is secure,” she said.
“This honour is not an endpoint; it is a mandate to continue working, building, and ensuring that we, the youth, are at the forefront of building a prosperous Zimbabwe for all,” added Ms Gandi-Ndlovu.
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