Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
SINCE the dawn of the Second Republic in late 2017, President Mnangagwa has made it clear that empowering the youth of Zimbabwe is a cornerstone of his administration as they are the vanguard of the revolution and the country’s future.
Through various initiatives, including the launch of several Presidential Youth Empowerment Schemes, the Government has allocated significant resources to nurture the potential of young Zimbabweans.
With the Presidential Youth Fund, which includes a US$10 million allocation for agricultural initiatives and a US$5 million fund under the Presidential Youth Mining Equipment Scheme, the stage is set for a transformative era in which the youth can play a pivotal role in reviving the economy.
President Mnangagwa’s dedication to youth empowerment is not merely rhetorical but a reflection of his belief that the youth are the vanguards of the revolution, essential for safeguarding the nation’s progress against neo-colonial influences.
He has emphasised that no one and no place should be left behind under the Nyika Inovakwa ne Vene Vayo philosophy. This game-changing philosophy has manifested in tangible programmes aimed at equipping young Zimbabweans with the tools they need to succeed.
At the launch of the Presidential Youth Fund recently, President Mnangagwa urged the youths to approach these opportunities with diligence and integrity.
He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, insisting that these resources must be distributed ethically to ensure that deserving youths benefit.
“As you distribute these resources, I urge you to exercise high levels of morality and ethical consideration,” he stated. The President’s call for a sustainable and revolving fund, rather than a mere handout, underscores the expectation that the youth will actively participate in their own empowerment,” he said.
In his address at the launch of the Presidential Youth Fund, which is going to be administered by the Presidential Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, President Mnangagwa implored the youth to work hard.
The ZANU PF Government, the President said, was walking the talk and delivering results to the people and will mobilise more financial resources towards these development initiatives.
“Additionally, from the US$50 million financing facility that my Government is mobilising to accelerate irrigation development, for climate-proofing agriculture, US$10 million will be reserved for the youth in agriculture,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President called for transparency and accountability to ensure deserving youths benefit.
“As you distribute these resources, I urge you to exercise high levels of morality and ethical consideration. The schemes must identify deserving and capable youth.
“No to favouritism and corruption. I want this to be an enduring and sustainable fund which benefits the majority of our country’s youth,” the President said
“Hence, the US$2 million fund must not be taken as a free hand-out, but administered as a revolving one that issues loans, which are paid back for the benefit of many more people after.”
With these funds at their disposal, the youth of Zimbabwe find themselves at a critical juncture as the ball is now in their court, and the expectations are high. They must demonstrate their commitment to hard work, innovation, and responsible entrepreneurship. The youths need to understand that the resources provided by the Government are not just financial aid; they are opportunities to forge a better future for themselves and the nation to restore Zimbabwe’s reputation as the “Bread Basket” and “Jewel of Africa.”
As President Mnangagwa has emphasised, modernising agriculture and mining through technology is crucial, and young entrepreneurs should invest in tech-driven solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability. Utilising platforms for precision agriculture, data analysis, and advanced mining techniques can significantly increase output and efficiency.
The youth should foster a spirit of collaboration by forming networks and cooperatives. Through sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, young entrepreneurs can create a supportive ecosystem that amplifies their efforts. Such collaborations can also attract further investments and partnerships, leading to more substantial economic growth.
Education and training play an essential role in empowerment; the youth should seek out opportunities for skill development, whether through formal education, vocational training, or mentorship programmes. By becoming more knowledgeable and skilled, they can better navigate challenges and seize opportunities in their respective fields.
The youth should also actively participate in initiatives that benefit their communities through addressing local challenges and contributing to community development projects, in the process building goodwill and strengthening their ties to the broader society. This engagement also fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in their nation.
To counteract the potential infiltration of neo-colonialists and ensure the integrity of the empowerment schemes, the youth must champion ethical practices in their businesses and communities. As a result of promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness, they can build a culture of trust that attracts further support and investment.
The stakes are high for the youth of Zimbabwe as they are expected to restore the nation’s long held titles of the “Bread Basket” and “Jewel of Africa” through extensive agricultural and mining efforts.
Failure to utilise the provided resources could not only lead to disappointment for President Mnangagwa but could also hinder Zimbabwe’s progress as a nation.
The President has invested in the youth, believing in their potential and capability to drive change.
Now, it is incumbent upon the youth to rise to the occasion, demonstrate their commitment, and pay back this faith through their actions.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s youth have a unique opportunity to reshape the economic landscape.
By taking advantage of the Presidential Youth Fund and the various empowerment schemes, they can carve out successful paths for themselves while simultaneously contributing to national development. The vision is clear: a prosperous Zimbabwe where young people are at the forefront of economic growth, innovation and social progress.
The empowerment initiatives launched by President Mnangagwa are not just financial programmes; they represent a call to action for the youth of Zimbabwe. By dint of embracing the resources available to them, working hard, and fostering a spirit of collaboration and ethical practice, they can ensure that the legacy of this empowerment is one of success, resilience, and national pride.
The future of Zimbabwe rests in their hands, and it is time for them to step up, seize the moment, and transform their dreams into reality.
The path to national restoration and growth begins with the empowered youth — let them not disappoint.
dyton mupawaenda