Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
MEN have been challenged to take a leading role in fostering national development and promoting social cohesion.
Speaking at the National Men’s Forum 4ED engagement in Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, on Sunday, patron of the Zanu PF affiliate, who is also the ruling party’s Central Committee member, Cde Godwell Mafuratidze, said men are critical in national development and building strong families.
“As the National Men’s Forum for Economic Development, we need men to reclaim their rightful roles in society,” he said.
“We believe that men have a critical role to play in national development.
“So, we have decided to have this ‘dare revarume’ to help each other in business issues, family issues and many other things, which are critical to national development.”
Cde Mafuratidze said the Men’s Forum 4ED is open to all men who want to do business and social programmes.
“Men’s forum feeds into Vision 2030, where we will be an upper-middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
“Let’s gather as men and share ideas about the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2). Many people do not know the NDS 2 tenets; so we are saying come and let’s spend time as men giving each other ideas to develop our country.”
Politburo member, Cde Andy Mhlanga, commended the initiative.
Men’s Forum 4ED national health advisor, who is the former Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo, presented the future health plans to be organised by the Men’s Forum 4ED, including outreaches and public health initiatives for the benefit of men and families.
“We believe that men should be encouraged to develop the strength and resilience needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals,” Dr Moyo said.
National chairman, Cde Kudzanai Gavaza, encouraged men to realise their full potential in their families and communities by sharing business ideas with others.
“Our vision is to ensure that all men in Zimbabwe participate in this noble project,” Cde Gavaza said.
“We have started by mobilising men throughout all provinces.”
National coordinator, Cde Ticha Bhaera, said they will provide training and development opportunities that equip men with the skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles.
“We need to foster community engagement and social responsibility among men, and to promote partnerships between men and women in building stronger families and communities,” said Cde Bhaera.
The National Men’s Forum 4ED was founded by a group of passionate men from Zengeza East’s Ward 13, who include Cde Gavaza, Cde Tatenda Chipungudzanye, the Shadow Councillor for the Ward, Cde Carrymore Matayaunga, Cde Aleck Murindagomo and Cde Raphael Mangwende.
Some of the top Zanu PF officials who attended the event include Cdes Pamhidzai Chavhunduka and Cde Joseph Macheka (both Central Committee members), Cdes Nobert Jinjika and Blessing Shamba (provincial members).
From the District Coordinating Committee, there were Cdes Lameck Chibvongodze, Bristo Masiiwa, Robson Mhandu and Pardon Chitembwe.
