Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has called on young people to take the lead in driving Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to revitalising vocational training centres (VTCs) across the country, transforming them into business incubation hubs.
As the nation works towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, vocational training centres are expected to play a pivotal role in equipping less advantaged youth with practical skills and education, preparing them for the workforce and fostering entrepreneurship.
These centres are central to developing a skilled workforce, contributing to national economic growth and promoting social inclusion.
Speaking yesterday after touring Esigodini Vocational Training Centre in Matabeleland South, Vice-President Mohadi said fully functional vocational training centres are essential for achieving economic emancipation.
The facility, established in 1982, currently has 192 students. Matabeleland South is home to five VTCs: Esigodini, Avoca, Pangani, Guyu, and Lutumba.
“I came here to Esigodini Vocational Training Centre to assess what can be done and identify existing gaps. The Ministry of Youth falls under my jurisdiction, and I will be looking into the state of all VTCs across the country to ensure their development.
“Our national mantra says ‘ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/ nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ — we cannot build the nation without the necessary skills. These skills must be imparted to the youth, who are our future leaders. We must prepare them to be employers, not just employees. Skilled youth will be key to achieving Vision 2030,” said VP Mohadi.
VP Mohadi emphasised the need for a long-term vision beyond 2030, with young people at the forefront of its development and realisation.
He said his visit to Esigodini VTC would lead to the immediate rollout of strategies to equip the centre. He urged ministry officials to develop a blueprint outlining the infrastructure development required to transform the institution into a state-of-the-art facility.
“From here, we move to the implementation stage. The ministry must produce a blueprint detailing the infrastructure that needs to be developed here. This blueprint should include a framework and layout plan for all the works needed to make this an ideal training centre. Once building materials are secured, the army can assist with construction.
“If we have fully equipped VTCs across the country, we can be confident in our journey towards Vision 2030. We’ve provided our youth with basic education — now we must train them,” he said.
He also encouraged young people to be patriotic and play an active role in national development, urging them to use their acquired skills to innovate and establish businesses.
Speaking at the same event, Esigodini Vocational Training Centre head, Ms Judith Hondo, said the centre offers both long and short courses under the Training for Enterprise curriculum. These are delivered institutionally and through community outreach programmes.
Long courses include agriculture, cosmetology, brick and block laying, and clothing and textiles. Short courses cover braiding, baking, tiling, home décor, poultry, horticulture, and solar installations.
Ms Hondo highlighted several challenges facing the institution, including low enrolment due to the centre’s appearance, outdated training equipment, and water shortages for agricultural activities, staff shortages, limited learning space, and inadequate staff accommodation.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said the province urgently needs more vocational training centres, as the existing five cannot meet the growing demand.
“Esigodini Vocational Training Centre provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to learn and grow. We are proud to say that with adequate water resources, this centre has the potential to excel in horticulture and other agricultural activities, further enhancing our trainees’ skills and opportunities.
“Our work at Esigodini aligns with His Excellency’s vision of empowering our youth and developing our nation’s human capital. By providing vocational training and skills development, we in the ‘Rainbow Province’ are contributing to the country’s economic growth and development,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
