Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
YOUTH Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire has called for a Whole-of-Government approach in the preparations for National Youth Day to be held on February 21 at Igava Training Centre in Marondera district.
This year’s celebrations will be held in Mashonaland East Province and youths are expected to come out in their numbers for the event.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officiate on the day.
On Friday last week, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka as well as Minister Machakaire visited Igava area where preparations for the day are underway.
In an interview with Zimpapers on the sidelines of the tour, Minister Machakaire said every department is putting hands on the deck to ensure the event would be a resounding success.
“Every Government department is here and will remain here in preparation for this big day, which will be presided over by President Mnangagwa. The event will be held on February 21, 2026.
“On the day, we will launch a Vocational Training Centre as well as a new Youth Training Centre, this is why a lot of machinery is here, working around the clock towards that. We need to have a lot of training centres where our youth will be equipped with skills that can be used in developing Zimbabwe,” he said.
In an interview with Zimpapers on the sidelines of the tour, Minister Machakaire said every department is putting hands on the deck to ensure the event would be a resounding success.
He went on to say that the day is important to youths, as they will get information relevant to the development of the nation.
“As you are aware, we are now in the National Development Strategy 2 era, so youth need to know what they are expected of by our President as we strive to ensure Vision 2030 is fulfilled.
“We are expecting thousands of youths to come and meet the President,” he said.
Minister Masuka weighed in, adding that as a Ministry, they are also contributing to youth empowerment through imparting critical knowledge, which is key to national development.
“On February 21, the President interacts with youths. So as a Ministry, we are providing basic capacitation of youths and in this particular case, the Igava Vocational Training Centre Business Unit. It will be the epicentre for the induction of youths who will come for training so that agriculture is conducted as a business. We have a two hectare block here and we will also have fish ponds and villages around here will have business units.
“So I look forward to a transformative phase where we can look at this centre not just for training youths around, but also from afar, so that we can begin to inculcate in youth, agriculture as a business model and much more.
“We will continue to capacitate youths in terms of structures, mechanisation, irrigation and other projects which are coming. We are looking at youth business units, about 4 800 across the country. So we will continue to work closely so that agriculture becomes the entry point for capacitation so that youths become economic participants,” he said.
Adv Ndudzo said he is excited as the provincial Minister to be hosting the auspicious event.
He said preparations are on course.
“Preparations for the day are on course. We can assure everyone that there is going to be an unprecedented gathering in terms of the numbers and morale.
“Also, there is going to be a groundbreaking ceremony for the first and only vocational training centre to be presided over by President Mnangagwa. It is going to be named Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Vocational Training, the only one with that name and by the end of the year, it is our earnest expectation that President Mnangagwa will also come and unveil the completed infrastructure,” he said.
