Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday urged local and regional youth to uphold traditions of unity, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that their actions will shape the future of the region and Africa, and crucially, reaffirm the older generation’s belief in their potential.
He acknowledged the older generation’s crucial role in achieving independence and freedom, stating that these achievements and Zimbabwe’s liberation war heritage must be preserved for future generations.
President Mnangagwa said this while addressing thousands of young people from across the country’s ten provinces during the National Youth Day celebration at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The celebrations were held under the theme: “Empower Youth: Secure the Future.”
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa, chair of SADC, emphasised the importance of discipline and vigilance among the youth. The event was attended by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet ministers, top Government officials, and representatives from sister liberation parties, including the ANC (South Africa), Frelimo (Mozambique), Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Tanzania), and CNDD-FDD (Burundi).
“I extend a special welcome to you, our young people, as well as delegates from other countries. Your presence here is a testament to the unity and solidarity that define us, the SADC region, and indeed the continent of Africa. I urge you, our young people, to guard jealously this long-standing tradition of unity, solidarity, and peaceful co-existence. The current development era equally demands that you constantly learn from each other, sharing knowledge and experiences for the betterment of your respective communities and countries. None but yourselves has that responsibility,” said President Mnangagwa.
He underscored that the prosperity and future of the region and Africa lie in the hands of the young generation.
“We, the older generation, played our part to bring about independence, freedom, and peace. The ball is now in your court. You must deliver. In unity, the youth of Africa can do more for the realisation of the Africa we want and deserve.”
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed the older generation’s belief in the youth’s potential.
“This National Youth Day is set aside and dedicated to recognising the potential of you, the young people of our country. We, your leaders, believe in your potential and will continue to ensure that your zeal and energy are harnessed so that you accomplish your dreams and aspirations and ultimately, our national Vision 2030. The huge turnout, peaceful, jovial, and electric atmosphere characterising this gathering is a reflection of our collective unity and defining national character as an independent and sovereign people.”
Emphasising unity, he urged the youth to remain hardworking, patriotic, and loyal to the country.
“Resist and reject machinations of those who would want to divide you and divide our nation.”
The President said the celebrations were a chance to reflect on past generations’ contributions and stressed the importance of discipline, commitment, and hard work for Zimbabwe’s future.
“We also have a chance to chart and refine the journey we are taking for a brighter future, particularly the role of you; our young people. In undertaking this critical task, remain emboldened by the virtues of courage, selfless sacrifice, and bravery which were defining among the youths of yesteryear. They took up arms against the oppressive colonial regime and brought us independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, and democracy.”
These historical milestones, including the rich liberation war heritage, are indispensable and must be safeguarded and passed down from generation to generation, he said.
“I, further, call upon you, the young people of this great nation, to continue displaying utmost discipline, commitment, and hard, honest work for the collective good of our country. In doing so, you must be aware that the unity and peace we enjoy today is a fundamental inheritance of the liberation struggle. No one must jeopardise or endanger these critical national aspects.”
National Youth Day, a public holiday under the Second Republic, has become an inclusive platform for youth expression and engagement.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through leadership roles in Government and other key institutions. He stressed that National Youth Day should be a platform for hope, unity, and safeguarding Zimbabwe’s heritage and freedoms.
“In view of these achievements, I challenge the young people deployed in various leadership positions to continue displaying principles of servant leadership and discipline while galvanising the youth to fully participate in the socio-economic and cultural affairs of our country. As the vanguard of our country, you must take the initiative and develop synergies and partnerships while building a common united front to advance the aims and objectives of our people’s revolution and development thrust.”
He implored the youth to remain vigilant and patriotic.
“Defend the integrity and dignity of our country, leadership, and its people. Stand firm, and inculcate a culture of volunteerism and service among all the young people in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. The young people both within our country and in the diaspora are called upon to leverage their potential, competencies, and skills towards the pursuit of fulfilling careers.”
President Mnangagwa urged young people to embrace technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to create wealth, jobs, and economic growth, expressing confidence in their ability to make Zimbabwe a success.
“The future of our country lies in your hands,” he said.
The celebrations also saw the launch of the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme, an ambitious initiative implemented in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates.
“This initiative will train 1,5 million young people across the country as software engineers, developers, and programmers. This will enhance digital literacy and skills among Zimbabwean citizens and empower a new generation of professionals who can contribute to technological innovation,” he said.
The programme will train young people in programming, data science, and Android development, fostering innovation and supporting local tech solutions and start-ups.
“This must enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market,” he said.
