‘Youths must unite against sanctions’

Stories by Wallace Ruzvidzo

Young Zimbabweans should unite and collectively call for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on the country regardless of their political affiliation, ZANU PF deputy secretary for youth affairs, Cde John Paradza, has said.

The illegal and unilateral embargo, he added, continues to hamper the country’s development and affect future prospects for youths.

On Tuesday, Zimbabwe joins the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in commemorating the fourth Anti-Sanctions Day, which was set aside by regional leaders as an annual lobby until the sanctions are removed.

“As youths, sanctions are affecting us the most,” said Cde Paradza.

“We have the issue of unemployment; youths want jobs, but most companies are unable to operate and expand.

“The economy needs youths to function properly, because we are the largest demographic group and most active, so we are the most affected.”

In spite of the sanctions, he said, the Second Republic is now pushing a highly successful developmental agenda that has placed the economy on a firm footing for future growth.

Were it not for the punitive and coercive measures, he said, Zimbabwe’s goal of transforming into an upper middle-income economy would be achieved well before 2030.

“All the development that is taking place under President Mnangagwa under sanctions shows that if it weren’t for the sanctions, then we would be much more developed than we are presently,” he said.

“President Mnangagwa is trying all he can, but sanctions are hampering our development.

“So, we are calling for their unequivocal removal so that our country runs smoothly.”

Turning to the Youth League’s mobilisation drive ahead of next year’s harmonised elections, Cde Paradza said the party was confident of a resounding victory.

The Youth League is presently undertaking a voter mobilisation programme targeting unregistered voters.

“As we are going to Congress on October 26, as the Youth League, we have already endorsed President Mnangagwa as our only candidate for the 2023 elections,” said Cde Paradza.

“We have been meeting our structures in provinces, from the district level up to provincial level.

“Our main focus is on voter registration as we are encouraging youths to register to vote because the party is targeting five million votes, and 65 to 70 percent of those votes should come from the youth.”