Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S youth have declared themselves the foremost beneficiaries of independence and the next custodians of the liberation legacy, ahead of the country’s 46th Independence celebrations set for April 18 in Maphisa, Matobo District, Matabeleland South.
In separate interviews, young leaders in Bulawayo said independence has yielded significant opportunities for the younger generation, placing on them the responsibility to safeguard 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 Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces are increasingly assuming prominent roles in the mainstream economy and political leadership, transitioning from being passive inheritors of freedom to active drivers of national development.
The main independence celebrations have sparked renewed pride among the youth, who say the rotation of national events across provinces reflects the fulfilment of the revolutionary pledge of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Zanu-PF City Centre District Youth Chairman Cde Joseph Majoni said the 46th anniversary of independence provides an opportunity to reflect on revolutionary gains that have ushered in economic and social freedoms for young people.
“We, the youths of Zimbabwe, relish the gains of our hard-won independence and acknowledge the tireless efforts of our President, H.E. Mnangagwa, towards realising the vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe by 2030,” said Cde Majoni.
He said young people are at present benefitting from youth empowerment programmes, skills development initiatives and entrepreneurship support, which have opened up opportunities particularly within the 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’s celebrate our independence with pride, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose,” he said.
Highlighting developmental progress since independence, Cde Majoni 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.”
Echoing similar sentiments, John Landa Nkomo District Youth Chairperson Cde Beauty Nkomo said Zimbabwe’s 88 percent literacy rate and education reforms implemented after independence had laid a solid foundation for a 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 said the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030) is expected to support more than 2,3 million youths through pillars anchored on technology, digital transformation and economic empowerment implemented through EmpowerBank.
Mafuyana District Youth Vice Chairperson Cde Noleen Nyathi said growing up in an independent Zimbabwe has instilled a strong sense of nationhood among young people.
“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,” said Cde Nyathi.
National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Students’ Representative Council president and Zanu-PF Youth Secretary (City Centre District) Cde Russell Mashinya described independence as the foundation of national identity and a catalyst for academic and entrepreneurial achievement
“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,” said Cde Mashinya.
He said the transition from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) has positioned the youth as central drivers of economic growth.
“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.
