Youths urged to emulate Father Zimbabwe’s values

THE enduring legacy of Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, took centre stage at Joshua Nkomo Day commemorations held in Bulawayo on Saturday, with youths urged to emulate his values of patriotism, unity, discipline and selfless service as they contribute to national development.

The commemorations, organised by the Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Youth League, celebrated the life and ideals of the revered nationalist while encouraging young people to embrace economic empowerment, productive land use and self-reliance in support of Vision 2030.

Addressing the gathering, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Youth League vice-chairman Cde Mehluli Mlotshwa said the greatest honour young Zimbabweans could bestow on Dr Nkomo was to uphold the principles that guided his leadership throughout his life.

He said Father Zimbabwe dedicated his life to the liberation, unity and development of Zimbabwe without seeking personal gain.

“Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was a leader who placed Zimbabwe before himself. He sacrificed his comfort, endured imprisonment, persecution and exile because he believed future generations deserved freedom and dignity. As young people, we must emulate that spirit of selfless service to our country,” said Cde Mlotshwa.

He urged youths to draw inspiration from Dr Nkomo’s commitment to peace, justice, reconciliation and national unity.

“Father Zimbabwe taught us that differences should never divide a nation. He believed in dialogue, peace and working together for the common good. Those are the values that must continue to guide us as young Zimbabweans,” he said.

Cde Mlotshwa said Zimbabwe’s independence was achieved through immense sacrifices made by liberation heroes and heroines, making it imperative for the younger generation to safeguard that legacy through hard work, patriotism and national unity.

“The freedom we enjoy today did not come cheaply. Brave sons and daughters of this country paid the ultimate price so that we could determine our own destiny. We therefore have a duty to defend that legacy by working hard, remaining united and contributing towards building the prosperous Zimbabwe envisioned under Vision 2030,” he said.

Cde Mlotshwa urged young people to play an active role in national development through agriculture, entrepreneurship, innovation, education and community service.

He also warned against drug and substance abuse, describing it as one of the greatest challenges confronting young people in the country.

“Drug and substance abuse is destroying lives, families and communities. It robs young people of their potential and weakens the nation. Let us reject drugs completely and instead focus our energy on education, skills development, agriculture and wealth creation,” said Cde Mlotshwa.

He commended Government youth empowerment initiatives, saying they were creating opportunities for young people to become key drivers of economic growth and development.

Speaking at the same event, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Youth League secretary Cde Admire Masikati said Joshua Nkomo Day provides an important platform to educate younger generations about the sacrifices that secured Zimbabwe’s independence and to preserve the ideals of Father Zimbabwe.

He said Dr Nkomo’s immense contribution to the liberation struggle, national unity and reconciliation deserved lasting national recognition, adding that Joshua Nkomo Day should be declared a national public holiday.

“Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Day must be accorded national holiday status so that future generations fully appreciate his role in the liberation struggle and in shaping the unity we enjoy today,” said Cde Masikati.

He urged young people to deepen their understanding of Zimbabwe’s liberation history and the ideological foundations upon which the nation was built.

“A nation that forgets its history risks losing its identity. Our youths must understand the liberation struggle, appreciate the sacrifices made by our founding fathers and remain grounded in the values that continue to shape Zimbabwe,” he said.

Cde Masikati said that ideological orientation should begin at an early age to nurture disciplined, patriotic and responsible citizens.

“It is important for ideological education to start while our children are still young so that they grow into adults who understand national values, appreciate our history and actively contribute towards the country’s development,” he said.

He also challenged youths to embrace productivity and innovation in support of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 while promoting political tolerance and national unity.

“We must compete through ideas and development initiatives rather than hatred and division. National progress requires unity, discipline and mutual respect among citizens,” he said.

The commemorations were attended by members of the Zanu-PF Youth League, war veterans, community leaders, party affiliates and youths from across Bulawayo Province.