Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Features Reporter
YOUTHS are key in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 through unity against destructive forces and defending the country at all costs.
The country’s unity cemented by the signing of the Unity Accord between Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu on 22 December 1987 has grown beyond political parties, to incorporate all Zimbabweans.
The country’s founding fathers, the late former President, Robert Mugabe and the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo signed the Unity Accord following disturbances in Zimbabwe’s western provinces.
Every year, Unity Day commemorations are a symbolic construction to guide and remind us that divided we fall and united we stand firm.
Youths, the beneficiaries of the agreement (Unity Accord), say they stand obligated to further the culture of peace in whatever they do.
In an interview, youth-led organisation, Youth Network Connect (YNC) managing director, Mr Philimon Nyirenda said the day serves as a reminder of the importance of national unity and encourages all youths to work towards a more unified and harmonious Zimbabwe.
“Unity Day is a day for every Zimbabwean to come together and celebrate the diversity and unity that defines our beloved nation. It is a reminder of Vision 2030 and dedication in unifying Zimbabweans as well as an opportunity for the youths to reaffirm their commitment to the unity and integrity of the country,” he said.
“Through various activities and events, as youths we will commemorate this day with a sense of pride and patriotism, emphasising that unity in diversity is not just a slogan but a way of life for the nation of Zimbabwe.”
Mr Nyirenda said Zimbabwean diversity is not just a characteristic, but it is a way of life, with its rich tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions, while Zimbabwe stands as a shining example of unity in diversity.
He said as youths, the day holds great significance and carries a profound message for the entire country.
A young farmer and entrepreneur in Figtree, Matabeleland South Province, Miss Sithandazile Sibanda said Unity Day was a perfect time to celebrate the spirit of oneness and togetherness.
“As you are aware, women had often been sidelined in male-dominated industries, however, there has been a massive transformation to that. We celebrate the spirit of oneness and co-operation of women in all aspects of the economy. Women’s contribution is very important in growing the national economy,” she said.
Miss Sibanda said unity has brought about the integration of women in sectors such as agriculture, mining, justice and legal, defence and security, finance and tourism among others.
She said in the agriculture sector, women continue to prove their mettle in farming.
“Female farmers are defining the success story of the land reform programme, with many contributing significantly to food security for the nation and they continue to rise fast to levels unparalleled by their male counterparts, as the fruits of unity bear success stories,” she said.
“Unlike in the past, women are playing a leading role in farming projects and contributing to food security in their districts, provinces and country as a whole. Women are an important demographic of our population and they are the most vital cog in agricultural production.”
Miss Sibanda said the Government under the Second Republic has made tremendous strides in empowering women through various initiatives and projects.
“Various platforms have been created from which women entrepreneurs can access funding to spearhead their projects. Such initiatives will go a long way in contributing towards the implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which is centred on leaving no one and no place behind. We are grateful for the opportunities that have been availed for women in communities around Zimbabwe to develop their capabilities, equipping them with skills and knowledge needed to take self-reliant actions to improve their lives and living conditions,” she said.
An organisation that aims to encourage and advance youth participation in more mechanised mining operations, Young Miners Foundation (YMF) chief executive officer (CEO) Mr Payne Kupfuwa said Unity Day meant a lot to them as youths.
“As YMF, Unity Day means a lot to us as it is an epitome of oneness and a great example of progress. Celebrating it this year is in sync with our aim as young miners to positively contribute to the realisation of a US$12 billion mining economy target by end of this year, which should see Zimbabwe edging closer to the goal of being an upper-middle income country by 2030,” said Mr Kupfuwa.
He said as an organisation established in 2010 to advance and upscale youth entrepreneur participation in mining, they were visibly present in every province and working with all youth miners.
Mr Kupfuwa said they were enjoying the different perspectives, approaches and opportunities in mining as they journeyed towards their vision of developing young small-scale miners into commercialised medium or large-scale miners.
He added: “The future of the young miners dream is to create 21st century young mineral magnets as a stimulus to other productive enterprises. YMF continues to propagate transformation of small-scale mining into a more formal, responsible, environmentally friendly mining operations. It remains our conviction therefore that small-scale mining should not be taken as a poverty driven initiative but a proper business enterprise as we move towards Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income economy.”
Mr Kupfuwa said the decentralisation agenda in every province with a regional director who oversees activities, allows them to roll out programmes such as young miners field days, conventions, indabas, mining trade and value addition seminars in different provinces in the vein of forming lasting synergies.
He said as young people from different provinces, areas and cultures, they remain as one people, in one nation and with one goal of rewriting and redefining the small-scale narrative by ensuring that they formalise and professionalise their mining projects in the different minerals that they are working with.
“We thank our forefathers and fathers who brought about the unity that we cherish today. They fought gallantly to ensure that the country remains united and the Second Republic keeps on encouraging us to have peace and work together by giving targets and goals that are inclined to economic development, while making sure as young people in the country we have equal opportunities.”
Clothing small to medium enterprise (SME) owner, Miss Nobuhle Siziba said they join the rest of the nation in celebrating Unity Day and they will be participating in the activities planned for the day.
“As we enjoy the unity that has been brought about by our forefathers and fathers, it remains our responsibility as well to maintain the unity among ourselves as youths and participants in the economic development of the country. We subscribe and support the unity that was established by our forefathers and fathers who have maintained it and kept it strong enough to give us room to grow and work in every part of the country,” she said.
“Unity Day illustrates the resilient spirit of the people of Zimbabwe in the face of any form of adversity. It is also the apex of the spirit of Ubuntu/Hunhu that fires up Zimbabweans whenever there are local contradictions.”
As the country celebrates Unity Day on Friday, the message that reverberates far and wide is the need to remain resolute and steadfast in the quest for sustained peace and development in our beloved Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter