Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
YOUTHS have praised the Second Republic’s empowerment programmes, saying access to funding, productive assets and housing is creating opportunities to start businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The sentiments came as the nation celebrated Munhumutapa Day in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central Province last Tuesday, with young people highlighting empowerment initiatives being implemented countrywide.
After President Mnangagwa launched the housing scheme, ZimBuild chief executive Dr Tinashe Manzungu, whose company is developing close to 1 000 housing stands for youths in Mashonaland Central, said the project demonstrated the potential partnerships between Government and local businesses.
“This is a very big site, where we are undertaking the development of close to 1 000 stands,” he said.
“This is a smart business partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and the private sector, led here by us as a local construction company that is well registered in line with national laws and a member of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association.
“Today is a testament to what the local person can do in terms of being a partner to the Government of Zimbabwe, as we celebrate the birthday of His Excellency.”
Dr Manzungu said the President has given young people a chance to demonstrate their capabilities and to own property and businesses.
“His actions speak to the Second Republic’s movement in support of young people. The movement speaks to capacitation and empowerment of youths, and this is where we are today,” he said.
Harare Provincial Youth League chairman Cde Emmanuel Mahachi said the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund had enabled the province to acquire productive assets and generate income for further investment.
“First, I want to thank President Mnangagwa, and say happy birthday, President, on your 84th birthday. Your works are visible, mainly among us, the youth,” he said.
“As Harare Province, we got money under the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund, which we used to buy our tipper trucks.
“We have generated a lot of money from these trucks, and we now want to take some of that money to administrative districts so that youths can derive benefit from the Youth Empowerment Fund.”
The province acquired two tipper trucks and a front-end loader, which are operating at Khayah Cement.
Cde Mahachi said that of the money generated from the project so far, US$60 000 would be channelled to district structures, with each administrative zone expected to receive US$10 000 for income-generating projects.
In Harare Province, the Dunottar Housing Scheme is expected to provide residential stands to 1 500 beneficiaries.
“This demonstrates that the President remembers all youths across the country because every province has housing stands,” said Cde Mahachi.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Youth League chairman Cde Tapiwa Masenda said projects were being aligned with opportunities available in different districts.
“All six administrative districts in Mashonaland West are already benefiting from the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund through projects tailored to their local economic strengths,” he said.
“In Kariba, youths have secured fish and kapenta permits, and the fund will help expand and modernise those operations.
“In Kadoma, young people are actively involved in mining ventures, while in Hurungwe youths are running poultry projects supported by the fund.”
Cde Masenda said the next tranche of funding would support further expansion.
“The second tranche of the Youth Fund is expected at the end of this month (September).
“We intend to acquire another truck to strengthen our fleet and invest further in income-generating projects that will benefit more young people across the province,” he said.
Housing is also a priority in Mashonaland West, where all six administrative districts have availed land for the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme.
In his remarks in Mvurwi, President Mnangagwa said the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme was opening “opportunities for young people to own homes”.
“I commend the local authorities who are availing land for these projects. Similarly, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund is enabling youth to set up and grow their enterprises, fostering wealth creation and economic inclusion.
“Youth are excelling in mining, manufacturing, and tourism, among other sectors. Well-done. I urge the leadership at both party level and within communities to work with unity to ensure that all development projects are a success,” said the President.
