Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
YOUNG people in Matabeleland South have called for a robust youth empowerment strategy that addresses key challenges hindering their development, particularly in rural areas.
These challenges include poor infrastructure, limited access to information, and network connectivity issues.
Speaking during a youth empowerment strategy meeting held in Gwanda recently, participants emphasised the need for increased capital funding for youth projects, expanded training programmes, improved internet access, greater support for the entertainment industry, and the establishment of recreational facilities. They also called for the relaxation of restrictive legislation affecting young entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training is currently formulating a youth empowerment strategy that will contribute to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
As part of this process, the ministry has been holding nationwide consultations to gather input from young people. The consultative exercise, which runs until March 3, is being conducted in partnership with the United Nations and Silveira House.
One of the participants, Mr Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu, stressed the need for improved infrastructure in rural areas to enable young people to establish businesses.
“As young people, we may have great business ideas that could benefit the nation, but without proper road networks and infrastructure, it becomes difficult for our businesses to thrive,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu added that poor roads discourage potential investors and customers from supporting rural businesses. He said network connectivity is another major concern.
“Many business transactions and opportunities are now online, yet youths in rural areas remain disconnected. Without internet access, we are cut off from critical economic and educational opportunities,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Ms. Nobuhle Moyo highlighted the need for governance workshops to educate young people about their rights and available opportunities.
“Some youths are not actively involved in economic and governance matters simply because they are unaware of their rights or existing programs designed to support them,” she said.
Mr Methembe Nyathi stressed the importance of information dissemination in youth empowerment.
“They say ‘knowledge is power,’ and if we are to be empowered, we need access to relevant information. Funding opportunities exist, but many youths do not know how to access them. We also need to connect with global markets to understand what is in demand,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for financial support for young people involved in sports and the arts.
The youth empowerment strategy will be anchored on seven pillars namely economic empowerment, technology and digital innovation, education and training, health and well-being.
Other pillars are governance, climate change and gender equality.
Bindura State University lecturer, Dr Lovemore Musemwa, a lead consultant in the strategy development process, said the plan aims to ensure young people are economically empowered through employment or entrepreneurship while also gaining access to technology, education, and health services.
“The strategy also promotes gender equality and ensures that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
Director for Strategic Planning, Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Dr Blazio Manobo, said the strategy would serve as a blueprint for Government intervention in youth empowerment.
“Empowering young people is critical, as they constitute a third of the country’s population. This strategy will guide the government on how best to tackle youth development issues,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
