‘Youth development policies justify presidential term extension’

ZANU-PF Youth League has said it is fully behind the deferment of elections to 2030 saying this will help President Mnangagwa to continue with his pro-youth development policies.

There have been calls by Zimbabweans to defer the 2028 harmonised elections and allow President Mnangagwa’s administration to remain in office until 2030 to enable Government to complete the transformative development projects.

The ruling party Zanu-PF at its 21st People’s Conference in Bulawayo resolved to postpone the next harmonised elections from 2028 to 2030 to allow development projects initiated by President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic to come to fruition.

In a statement, the party’s Youth League in Matabeleland North reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the 21st National People’s Conference Resolution Number 1 that President Mnangagwa remains in office until 2030.

“This resolution not only encapsulates our enduring values but also reflects our shared aspirations for social and economic development, which stand as the bedrock of our collective mission as Zanu-PF Party,” read the statement signed by Cde Pauline Mpande, the youth league provincial secretary for information and publicity.

The youth said they recognise President Mnangagwa’s good leadership whose exploits have significantly advanced the party’s cause, resilience and positioned it as a formidable force in fostering positive change in Zimbabwe and beyond.

“Under his stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable milestones, including the advent and implementation of unprecedented capital projects that continue to transform the economy, thus significantly improving the lives of many Zimbabweans,” read the statement.

“These accomplishments serve as a testament to the effectiveness of our collective resolve and the profound impact we can achieve when united in purpose. We acknowledge the seriousness of our reaffirmation at this critical juncture, emphasising our role in upholding the party’s mission to serve, uplift, and empower communities.”

The youth league said as the vanguard of the party, its statutes and resolutions commits to an undying support for economic development and pledged to play an active role in helping the President achieve Vision 2030.

They commended President Mnangagwa for his exemplary leadership and the positive impact he has had in stabilising and growing the national economy.

“We understand that our actions today shape the legacy we leave for future generations and it is our constitutional duty to align with the party resolutions and principles reached at the 21st National People’s Conference.

“As we move forward, we pledge to actively engage in initiatives that reflect our commitment to Resolution Number 1 that our President remains President, Head of State and the party until 2030,” read the statement. “We implore the members of the youth league to remain resolute and unshaken, ensuring total support for the extension of the Presidential term of office. We stand firm in our belief that through abidance and dedication to this resolution, we can leverage our unity, the prevailing stability, achievements and propel our diverse communities towards Vision 2030.”

Zanu-PF Matabeleland North Youth League provincial chairperson Cde Lundy Sinzeka said all youth members support the resolution.

“At the youth level, we are all agreeable to this resolution. As Matabeleland North, for the first time, we have benefited as a province. Youth have plots and fishing rigs among other benefits,” he said.

“We have witnessed infrastructural developments, notably the building of schools and clinics and we hope if elections are deferred to 2030 we will benefit more under President Mnangagwa.”

The ruling party’s Youth League national secretary for security and Central Committee member Cde Thubelihle Duke Ncube said youth countrywide are in agreement with the resolution.

He said the youth are not just making the call for an extension of the presidential term for the sake of it but are considering the developmental drive that President Mnangagwa has embarked on from the day he assumed office.

Cde Ncube said President Mnangagwa has managed to drive the country despite the illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries.

“The President mastered the art of surviving in these difficulties the country is facing as a result of sanctions and kept us going as a country. Zimbabwe has turned into a construction zone with different infrastructure projects shaping up from different corners of the country,” he said.

“The economy itself is responding positively to policies of the Second Republic,” he said.

Zanu-PF Youth League secretary for legal affairs Cde Meluleki Khumalo said the league leadership has a critical role to explain the benefits of the party resolution to other youths and Zimbabweans in general.

“Members of the youth league were among delegates that came up with this resolution and the challenge now is to build strategic coalitions with affiliate organisations and ensure full participation of youths since we make up the majority of voters,” said Cde Khumalo.-@ncubeleon