Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
AS Zimbabwe marks another milestone in its independence journey, the spotlight inevitably turns to the country’s young people — the largest beneficiaries of the hard-won freedom attained in 1980.
Independence is not merely a historical event confined to textbooks and annual commemorations; it is a living legacy that places a responsibility on today’s youths to safeguard, consolidate and advance the gains of the liberation struggle.
The sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and heroines, many of whom were themselves young at the time, demand more than symbolic remembrance.
They require active participation by the present generation in nation-building efforts. It is, therefore, imperative that youths cherish independence not only as a national treasure but also as a call to duty.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in empowering its young citizens. Through various Government-led initiatives, including indigenisation and economic empowerment programmes, youths have gained access to quality education, scholarships, healthcare and other social services that were largely inaccessible to the majority before independence.
The transformation of the education sector remains one of the most notable achievements. With a literacy rate now exceeding 88 percent, Zimbabwe stands among the most literate nations on the continent.
This milestone is a direct result of deliberate policies implemented at independence, which opened up learning institutions to millions of previously marginalised Zimbabweans.
Beyond education, the Second Republic has intensified efforts to position youths at the centre of socio-economic development.
Programmes such as the US$2 million Presidential Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund and the US$5 million Youth Mining Equipment Scheme are equipping young people with the resources and skills necessary to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The reintroduction of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe further underscores Government’s commitment to instilling discipline, patriotism and a sense of national identity among young citizens.
In agriculture, a sector that lies at the heart of Zimbabwe’s economy, young people are increasingly taking a leading role.
Between 2021 and 2023, more than 20 000 youths received training under various agricultural programmes spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Initiatives such as the Annual National Young Champion Farmer Awards are encouraging innovation and productivity, as youths transform land — reclaimed through the liberation struggle — into a source of livelihoods and national food security.
These gains, however, come with responsibility. President Mnangagwa has consistently called on young people to emulate the spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by the youth of the liberation era. Speaking at the National Youth Day celebrations in Marondera earlier this year, the President challenged the current generation to rise to the occasion.
“The youth of yester-year played their part to bring about the independence, freedom, peace and unity we are enjoying,” he said.
“You, youth of today, must never shy away from playing your part in the ongoing development initiatives in our country.”
This call resonates strongly in the context of emerging challenges facing the youth, including drug and substance abuse, which threaten to derail progress and undermine national development. Young people must remain vigilant and focused, rejecting destructive behaviours while embracing opportunities that contribute to personal growth and national advancement.
Equally important is the need for youths to defend the country from detractors and safeguard its sovereignty. Independence brought with it the power of self-determination — the ability for Zimbabweans to shape their own destiny without external interference.
This principle must be upheld and protected by the current generation, which stands to inherit and lead the nation into the future.
Government has also demonstrated its commitment to youth inclusion by appointing young people to leadership and decision-making positions across ministries and departments.
This deliberate move not only empowers youths but also ensures that their perspectives are integrated into national policy formulation and implementation.
The National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026-2030) further provides a comprehensive roadmap for youth development, targeting more than 2,3 million young Zimbabweans.
Anchored on key pillars such as economic empowerment, technology and digital transformation, education, governance, and health, the strategy is designed to unlock the full potential of the country’s youthful population.
At its core, the message is clear: independence is both a privilege and a responsibility. While the gains of the liberation struggle have opened doors of opportunity, it is up to the youths to walk through them with purpose and determination.
As the nation braces to celebrate its 46th Independence Day in Maphisa, Matobo District in Matabeleland South Province, young people must reflect on the sacrifices of the past while embracing their role in shaping the future.
The legacy of liberation can only be preserved through active participation, innovation and unwavering commitment to national ideals.
Indeed, the future of Zimbabwe lies in the hands of its youths — and it is through their actions today that the promise of independence will be fulfilled for generations to come.
