Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub
YOUTHS from across the country have been urged to converge in Zvishavane today for the second edition of Munhumutapa Day.
The day, a brainchild of the Zanu PF Youth League, was conceived to honour President Mnangagwa for embodying the spirit of the great Munhumutapa rulers and to celebrate youth empowerment.
The celebrations, which coincide with the President’s birthday, are seen as a platform to highlight the achievements of the Second Republic in empowering young people and to chart a way forward towards Vision 2030.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Zanu PF Bulawayo Province Youth League Chairperson Cde Freedom Murechu urged all youths to attend, saying the day will be a turning point.
“This is the day when we celebrate the achievements of the Second Republic in youth empowerment,” Cde Murechu said.
“It’s where we take a walk through all the empowerment programmes that were initiated by His Excellency, what has been achieved so far, what needs to be looked into, what needs to be improved and what also needs to be done in terms of youth empowerment.”
He added that the concept of Munhumutapa Day was drawn from the great Munhumutapa and how he built his empire and that President Mnangagwa’s development trajectory is similar to that of the ancient ruler.
“We believe that the way His Excellency President Mnangagwa is leading the Government, or his development trajectory, is similar to that of the Munhumutapa, and hence we call him the second Munhumutapa.
“I believe that every youth who sets foot there, their life will never be the same again, because, like I said before, it’s the road to youth empowerment,” he said.
Cde Murechu said the day which is expected to draw over 30 000 people, mostly youths from all corners of Zimbabwe will also be an opportunity to plan for the future.
“So if we want this to be a success, all roads lead to Zvishavane. That’s all I can say for now. We have prepared everything necessary to make sure the event is a success.
“We have arranged for transportation from all provinces, food for the youth and entertainment for the gala after the event. It will be a fun fair, especially for the youth, where we are celebrating our President, the development happening in this country, and what we are going to achieve by 2030,” he said.
He underscored the youth’s role in achieving Vision 2030, which aims to create an upper-middle-income economy.
“We believe that the youth also have a role to play and if they come there, we will share ideas and get wise words from His Excellency the President.
“It’s a vision that the President has put in place, but it cannot be achieved by him alone . . . it will be achieved by putting all hands on deck, with everyone playing their own role,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, the youth have been organising sporting events nationwide aimed at combating drug and substance abuse.
The Zimbabwe National Sports Promotion for Economic Development (ZIMSPORTS4ED) is facilitating these activities to fight drug and substance abuse among the youth as a way to commemorate Munhumutapa Day.
The Zanu PF National Youth League conceived Munhumutapa Day to be celebrated on September 15 every year, with the country’s 10 provinces hosting the event on a rotational basis.
The inaugural event was held in Masvingo, and this year’s celebrations are being held in Zvishavane, Midlands Province.
