Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Bulawayo Bureau
As the nation prepares to celebrate 46 years of independence in Maphisa, Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province next month, the country’s youth have declared themselves the primary beneficiaries and future guardians of the country’s liberation heritage.
In separate interviews, young leaders from Bulawayo acknowledged that they are the biggest beneficiaries of independence and bear the responsibility to protect and advance the gains of the liberation struggle.
Under the Second Republic’s “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” philosophy, young people across the country’s 10 provinces are increasingly taking up space in the mainstream economy and political leadership, transitioning from “passive inheritors” of freedom to active builders of a prosperous nation.
The main celebrations, to be held next month, have ignited a sense of pride among the youth, who view the rotation of national events as a sign that the revolution’s promise of “leaving no one and no place behind” is being fulfilled.
Zanu PF Bulawayo City Centre District Youth Chairman, Cde Joseph Majoni, said the 46th anniversary is a time to reflect on the revolutionary gains that have brought economic and social freedom to the younger generation.
“We, the youths of Zimbabwe, relish the gains of our hard-won independence and acknowledge the tireless efforts of our President, His Excellency Mnangagwa, towards realising the vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe by 2030,” said Cde Majoni.
He noted that youths are benefiting from the Youth Empowerment Programme, skills training and entrepreneurship support, which have opened doors in the booming mining and agricultural sectors. “We support Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, which seeks to further entrench the sovereignty and democratic principles of our nation. Let us celebrate our independence with pride, unity and a renewed sense of purpose,” he added.
Highlighting the country’s tangible progress, he said: “Since 1980, Zimbabwe has achieved significant milestones: universal primary education and curriculum reforms focused on practical skills; infrastructure development including roads, airports and renewable energy initiatives; the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project improving water supply and irrigation; enhanced regional trade and economic growth; and a new state-of-the-art Parliament building symbolising our nation’s growth and democracy.”
John Landa Nkomo District Youth Chairperson, Cde Beauty Nkomo, said the 88 percent literacy rate and the education revolution since 1980 provided the foundation for the current youth-driven economy.
“Forty-six years on, Zimbabwe’s youth are not passive inheritors of freedom. They are its next builders. Agriculture, mining, digital innovation and entrepreneurship offer avenues for wealth creation. As the flame of independence is lit once again in the sacred hills of Matobo, it carries a dual message: honour the past, protect the future,” she said.
Cde Nkomo highlighted that the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030) is set to support over 2.3 million youths through pillars such as technology, digital transformation and economic empowerment facilitated by EmpowerBank.
Mafuyana District Youth Vice Chairperson, Cde Noleen Nyathi, emphasised that growing up in an independent Zimbabwe has instilled a deep sense of nationhood.
“The gains of independence are evident in various sectors. Today’s youth have access to quality education, healthcare and numerous privileges that their forefathers could only dream of.
Growing up in an independent Zimbabwe has instilled in them a sense of nationhood and appreciation for the opportunities that have come with it. Armed with the freedoms won by our forefathers and mothers, we are ready to shape the country’s future,” Cde Nyathi said.
National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) president and Zanu PF Youth Secretary (City Centre District), Cde Russell Mashinya, described independence as the “oxygen of national identity” and the bedrock of academic and entrepreneurial success.
“For the youth of Zimbabwe, Independence Day is not merely a date on a calendar; it is a living testament to the sacrifices of those who walked before us and a blueprint for the future we are currently building. Independence is the oxygen of our national identity.
Under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has bridged the gap between the veterans of the struggle and the ‘born-frees.’ Through Education 5.0, our universities are becoming hubs of industrialisation where we are no longer just seeking jobs, but creating them,” Cde Mashinya said.
He added that the transition from NDS1 to NDS2 has ensured that youth are the “engine room” of the economy.
“We are currently in the decisive phase of our national development. With NDS2 and Vision 2030, the youth are no longer spectators; we are the engine room of the economy. We recognise that no one and no place should be left behind, and it is our responsibility to cross the finish line of Vision 2030.
Our independence was bought with blood; its value is maintained through our sweat, our loyalty and our unwavering commitment to the revolutionary path,” he said.
