Online Reporter
Nothando Zondo, [email protected]
Government’s commitment to youth empowerment is delivering real results on the ground in Umzingwane district, with young people in Ward 1 now earning incomes, gaining skills, and steering clear of idleness through practical projects facilitated by the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defence and Umzingwane legislator, Brigadier-General (Retired) Levi Mayihlome.
The initiatives, driven through sustained engagement between the Office of Brig-Gen Mayihlome and private sector partners, are a direct reflection of the Second Republic’s agenda to transform rural communities by equipping youths with marketable skills and income-generating opportunities.
In a statement this week, the Deputy Minister said two major partnerships are already changing lives in the district.
He said following engagements with Hamara Mine, youths from across Umzingwane have secured training opportunities in crop farming and poultry production at Matobo.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted that other discussions with How Mine have yielded commitments to train local young people in occupational health and safety, a critical requirement for formal employment in the mining sector.
“These initiatives form part of the Hon. Member’s broader agenda to advance sustainable, community-driven development across Umzingwane Constituency,” said Brig-Gen Mayihlome in the statement.
“The impact is most visible in Ward 1, where beneficiaries are already applying the skills they have acquired.
“Through the Ntshamathe Nutrition Garden under the LINA Project, young people are producing fresh vegetables for household consumption and for sale. The garden has improved household nutrition while creating a reliable source of income for participating families.”
He said a new poultry enterprise is also taking shape, with youths raising broilers and layers and proceeds from the sale of eggs and chickens are being reinvested to expand operations and support other household needs.
“The programmes are intended to create employment opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and empower young people with practical skills that can contribute to the district’s socio-economic development,” added Brig-Gen Mayihlome.
For many in Ward 1, the shift has been immediate. Idle time has been replaced with productive work. Community leaders report a noticeable reduction in youth vulnerability to substance abuse as more young people focus on self-development and business.
“Youths in Ward 1 have responded enthusiastically, with many now engaged in productive, income-generating activity through the Ntshamathe Nutrition Garden and an emerging poultry enterprise. This reflects a clear focus on self-development and rural economic participation,” he said.
He added that the Ward 1 example demonstrates how Government deployees, working with the private sector, can unlock opportunities at grassroots level without waiting for large-scale industrial projects.
By linking mines to skills training and by supporting community nutrition gardens and agri-businesses, the approach is addressing unemployment, food insecurity and poverty in one coordinated push.
Brig-Gen Mayihlome commended Ward 1 leadership and the youths for embracing the programmes, adding that Ward 1 stands as a model for other wards across Umzingwane District to emulate.
It is understood that similar engagements are being rolled out across Matabeleland South, in line with the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, which prioritize youth empowerment, rural industrialization and inclusive growth.
For Ward 1, the benefits are already tangible: food on the table, money in the pocket, skills for the future, and a renewed sense of purpose among young people.
