Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
YOUTH Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister, Honourable Tino Machakaire, has implored youths to spearhead the nation’s transformation through innovation, discipline, and accountability.
Speaking at the Danconsult School of Business graduation ceremony in Mutare last Friday, Minister Machakaire said the future of the country rests on the shoulders of its young people, and challenged the graduates to transcend academic achievement and actively contribute to building their communities and the broader economy. “This is more than a celebration of academic excellence. Today, we witness the emergence of a new generation of professionals ready to contribute meaningfully to our national development. You must now play your part,” said Minister Machakaire, adding that youth empowerment is central to the National Development Strategies 1 and 2.
He called on young graduates to become catalysts for transformation in sectors such as entrepreneurship, public service, agriculture, innovation, and technology.
“These strategies demonstrate our ambition to equip young people with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to drive national transformation. There is room for you to lead and thrive. While the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers a global passport, let us also empower our graduates to create home grown solutions,” he said, echoing President Mnangagwa’s mantra: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” – a country is built by its own people.
Minister Machakaire challenged youths to shift their mind-set from dependence to active participation. “That is not just a slogan – it is a mind-set and a mission. There is no one who will come and support us as Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe will be developed by Zimbabweans,” he said.
Minister Machakaire also imparted five core values to the graduates – accountability, respect, love, hard work, and honesty – which should guide their professional and personal lives.
“If you are not accountable, you will not develop. Respect is due whether someone is big or small. Love your work, love your nation. Work hard, and work honestly. These principles will sustain you, and Zimbabwe will benefit,” he said.
The Minister also praised Danconsult School of Business for its commitment to national progress through education, expressing his anticipation for larger and more impactful graduations in the future.
“We want to thank the institution for moulding people with the right mind-set. When you walk with the right people, you do the right things, and the results will be admired by everyone,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza commended the school for its role in human capital development and supporting the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
“I am told this school was founded in 2018 with the desire to train future professional accountants to become custodians of our institutional functional resources in both the private and public sectors. That vision fits squarely with our human capital planning goals under NDS1,” he said.
Minister Mugadza applauded the school for its inclusivity, opening its doors to students across the province and beyond.
“The institution is a reflection of our President’s widely known and appreciated philosophy. We commend the school for offering globally recognized qualifications such as the ACCA, while simultaneously acting locally to serve Zimbabwe’s development needs,” he said.
He also addressed the social issues affecting youths, including drug and substance abuse, emphasising the need for educational institutions to play a rehabilitation and redirection role. “We urge that more be done to rehabilitate those who may have been swallowed into drug and substance abuse. It is therefore exciting to learn that the Government has heard our cries for the establishment of rehabilitation centres,” he said.
Danconsult School of Business director, Mr Denford Mavhunga expressed pride in the institution’s contribution to the national vision, urging graduates to remain committed to the country’s development.
Mr Mavhunga encouraged graduates to stay in Zimbabwe and invest their skills locally, emphasising that opportunities abound for innovative and hard working individuals.
