Online Reporter
Milton Mashasha in Matabeleland South
IT was a day of ululations, proud tears and wild celebrations as 1 547 young men and women from all 10 provinces graduated at Guyu Youth Service Centre in Gwanda South on Friday.
The colourful passout parade brought together graduates, family members, friends and community leaders to celebrate the completion of the youths’ three-month training programme.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, presided over the event. He challenged the youths to turn their newly acquired skills and discipline into action.
The 720 graduands who passed out on Friday formed the second intake of 2026.
They joined 808 graduates from the first intake, bringing the total number of young people trained at Guyu this year to 1 547, with a third intake expected before the end of the year.
Addressing the gathering, Nguluvhe said the occasion was about more than simply completing a training programme.
“Today we are not merely celebrating the completion of a training programme, we are celebrating the transformation of young Zimbabweans through discipline, education, skills development, patriotism and a renewed sense of responsibility towards their communities and country.”
He said the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme remained an important platform for developing responsible and productive citizens.
Nguluvhe challenged the graduates to become active participants in Zimbabwe’s development, rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way.
“Do not simply wait for opportunities, create them. Become entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, community leaders and productive citizens,” he said.
The Minister urged the graduates to fight drug and substance abuse, saying they should become ambassadors against the scourge among their peers.
Nguluvhe commended Guyu Youth Service Centre commandant Mildred Nembwawe and her team for their role in moulding the young people.
He also thanked traditional leaders, parents and guardians for supporting the youths throughout their training.
The Minister urged the graduates to carry the values of discipline, patriotism, hard work, integrity and unity into their communities.
Quoting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s philosophy, “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, Nguluvhe reminded the young people that Zimbabwe’s future depended on its own citizens.
The graduates also made practical contributions to the Guyu and Sezhubane communities during their training, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on community service and nation building.
With a third intake expected later this year, Guyu is set to continue churning out young Zimbabweans equipped with skills and values aimed at strengthening communities and the nation.
