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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
Zanu-PF Youth League members in Matabeleland North province want a quota in every economic activity in the province.
The youths say the 21st February Movement celebrations are an opportunity for them to appeal to President Mugabe to empower them so they drive the country’s economy forward.
The party’s chairman for the Matabeleland North youth wing Cde Mbongeni Dube said youths in the province were geared to take the challenge once given the opportunity to participate in economic activities in the natural resources rich province. “It’s our wish as youths to get a quota in the economy of the province so that we also contribute towards ZimAsset,” said Cde Dube.
Matabeleland North province is one of the richest provinces in terms of untapped natural resources such as timber in Lupane, gold in Bubi, fertile soils in Umguza, wildlife in Tsholotsho and Hwange as well as tourism in Binga, Victoria Falls and Hwange.
Cde Dube said youths were appealing to authorities to be given licences so they also participate in various activities in the province. “We want something out of the timber industry in Lupane and conservancies in Hwange. Only a few people from the province have benefited and it’s our wish that President Mugabe helps push this agenda for us so that we’re given quotas.
“We promise to bring order especially in the gold mining areas where people are always fighting yet mining illegally and not remitting to authorised dealers. As youth, we have the capacity to do this and all we need is support with quotas and licences,” said Cde Dube.
He said where some members lack skills, the party would assist them with skills training so they acquire required knowledge for the particular sector they would have chosen.
Cde Dube challenged youths to be innovative. One youth Cde Shawlen Mugandani has penned three books, one of them a collection of poems praising President Mugabe titled From My Heart.
Turning to the 21st February Movement celebrations, Cde Dube said this was an important occasion to every youth in the country.
“This is a crucial day where we trace the illustrious history of President Mugabe and try to relive and follow it. We cherish all the things he did since the liberation struggle and the years he has led the country hence we all should emulate him. As such, as a province we support plans to declare February 21 a national holiday,” he said.
A member of the Youth League national executive Cde Norah Dube has always challenged local companies to empower youths in the province through employment.
She said most companies were unscrupulous by busing in workers from other provinces at the expense of locals.
Online Reporter