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Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
YOUTHS are the biggest beneficiaries of Zimbabwe’s independence and have to play a leading role in upholding the gains of the liberation struggle, the Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial youth leader Cde Khumbulani Mpofu has said.
In an interview yesterday, Cde Mpofu said as the country celebrates its 39th independence anniversary today, it is paramount to acknowledge the major strides the nation has taken in empowering the youths.
He said through its various indigenisation and empowerment programmes, the Government has provided young people with quality education, scholarships and access to health among many other social amenities.
“Independence Day, for most youths is a day to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices that were made by our heroes and heroines to liberate the country. It’s also a day to appreciate the post-independence transformative measures taken to develop and empower them.
“The country’s outstanding education system is evident of the Government’s efforts to enhance the livelihoods of youths and brighten their future,” said Cde Mpofu.
He said the country has managed to build many primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions, in addition to the few that were available before independence in 1980.
“The racial discrimination that hindered black citizens from accessing education is a tale of the past and as the youths we should thank all those who took part in the liberation struggle. Thousands of youths have acquired good education from these institutions and are now leaders in different organisations locally and abroad.
“We have to thank the Government for giving us the opportunity to run our own businesses across all sectors. We therefore need to value the gains of independence and show gratitude by working hand in hand with the Government in promoting the values of the country and uplifting its economy,” said Cde Mpofu.
He added that since independence, many youths have benefited from the various agrarian programmes in the country.
“Many youths have benefited from the land redistribution programme which has seen quite a number of young people becoming land owners.
“Some youths are benefiting from the command agriculture scheme and the presidential inputs scheme to productively use their land.
“The land reform and empowerment schemes are a reflection of the efforts put in place to empower and benefit the black majority especially young people,” said Cde Mpofu.
The country, he said, is endowed with mineral resources that include gold, chrome, iron, platinum and diamonds.
“More minerals which contribute significantly to the growth of the economy continue to be discovered. I’m happy that the country’s mining sector has also paved way for youth participation.
“The Government is introducing policies that align with small scale miners. In this case, most small scale miners are young people.
“They’re being afforded a chance to explore the sector and contribute to the country’s development,” said Cde Mpofu.
He said independence had also opened doors for the majority of youths to participate in the country’s politics.
“This is evidenced by the increasing number of young parliamentarians, councillors and leaders in various government positions.
“The country’s political system has opened room for young people to take part. For instance, the Zanu-PF youth wing was traditionally led by older people. This has changed as most of the leaders of the wing now comprise of young people including young women,” said Cde Mpofu.
He urged youths to come out in their numbers and be part of independence celebrations being held in their respective districts and provinces.
“We’re the beneficiaries of independence and we’re leaders of tomorrow. We should therefore be part of such significant events.
“We should also play a leading role in the economic, political and social transformation in the country,” said Cde Mpofu.
—@pamelashumba1
Online Reporter