Online Reporter
Kennedy Mandaza, [email protected]
AS Zimbabwe celebrates National Youth Day tomorrow in Bulawayo, it presents an important opportunity for young people to reflect on the enduring legacy of the country’s liberation struggle and the invaluable lessons youth can learn from the freedom fighters who paved the way for the nation’s independence.
The day, which traces its roots back to the 21st February Movement, which coincided with former president Cde Robert Mugabe’s birthday, serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, unity, and resilience that shaped the nation. The youth today can draw significant lessons from the struggle for independence, which are crucial as they take an active role in shaping Zimbabwe’s socio-economic future, particularly in alignment with Vision 2030.
Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, hinges on harnessing the potential of its young population. With more than 60 percent of the population under the age of 25, the role of the youth is pivotal in realising this goal. However, to move forward, it is crucial that young people draw inspiration from the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment exhibited by the liberation heroes.
The youths who participated in the liberation struggle were driven by an unwavering desire for freedom and justice. They demonstrated an unparalleled deep sense of patriotism, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Their commitment to a cause larger than themselves and a better future, despite immense hardships, demonstrates the importance of selflessness and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
These qualities are just as essential in today’s Zimbabwe, where the youth must channel their energy into addressing the economic and social challenges that the country faces. Today’s youths are destroying their lives by indulging in drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. Instead, they can learn from the struggle’s heroes; the power of vision, an ability to look beyond the present hardships and work towards long-term solutions that benefit the entire nation.
Frantz Fanon, the renowned post-colonial thinker, offers valuable insights into the role of the youth in post-independence societies. Fanon argues that the youth should not only be agents of change during the liberation struggle but must also assume responsibility in the construction of the post-colonial state. According to Fanon, the youth’s role does not end with the attainment of independence; rather, it extends into the continuous shaping of the nation’s social and economic fabric. This requires a deep sense of engagement with the nation’s development goals and an active pursuit of social justice, education, and economic progress.
Honest, hard work and entrepreneurship should preoccupy the youths to complete the construction of the post-colonial state. They should shun corruption, being exploited by people in power for selfish ends, and all other ills that are antithesis to development.
The struggle for liberation was also a testament to unity. The youth of the liberation war came from diverse backgrounds, and regions, yet they stood united against a common enemy. This collective spirit is essential for today’s youth, who must set aside divisions based on political, tribal, or regional differences and focus on shared goals. Vision 2030 cannot be achieved if the youth are fragmented; instead, they must work together, collaborating across various sectors to contribute to national development.
Moreover, the liberation struggle taught the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The challenges facing Zimbabwe today — ranging from unemployment to economic instability — are formidable, but they are not insurmountable. Today’s youth must not be cry-babies in the face of these challenges. The youth of the liberation struggle demonstrated that perseverance and innovation are key to overcoming obstacles. By embodying these qualities, today’s young people can help build a stronger, more prosperous nation.
The liberation movement instilled a sense of empowerment. Young freedom fighters recognised that they had the power to change the course of history. In the same vein, today’s youth must recognise their role in shaping the future. The opportunities in agriculture, mining, technology, education, and entrepreneurship are boundless, and it is up to the youth to seize them with both hands. Zimbabwe’s future depends on a generation that believes in its potential and works relentlessly to unlock it.
National Youth Day is more than just a celebration of youth — it is a time to reflect on the lessons that can be drawn from the country’s history. The heroes of the liberation struggle teach us the importance of sacrifice, vision, and resilience, qualities that are just as important today as they were during the struggle for independence. As Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030, the youth have a central role in shaping the nation’s future. By drawing inspiration from the liberation struggle and embracing their responsibilities as agents of change, the youth can contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
In the words of one of the founding fathers of Zimbabwe, the late Cde Mugabe, “The youths of Zimbabwe must embrace the responsibility of building their nation, for they are the future. The success of the struggle was not just for the present generation, but for the generations to come. It is your duty to take up the mantle and shape the destiny of Zimbabwe.”
It is through the lessons of the past that Zimbabwe’s youth can truly realise their potential and shape the nation’s future.
