Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
YOUNG people must take the lead in driving transformative development and upholding revolutionary values in line with the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda for national prosperity. Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, Cde John Paradza, made this call during the prestigious Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Excellence Awards ceremony held at a local hotel on Sunday.
The event was organised by the Bulawayo Provincial Youth League under the theme: “Consolidating Legacy, Championing Development: A Cadreship of Distinction in the Second Republic.”
There were nearly 70 categories in which the youth participated and distinguished themselves through mobilisation impact under the party’s enduring motto: “Service. Discipline. Victory.” Categories included best performing commissariat, information and publicity, advocacy, community development impact, youths in agribusiness, media, fashion and design, art, management, charity work, health and mentorship, among others.
In a speech read on his behalf by the National Secretary for Finance, Cde Garikai Zonde, Cde Paradza said the awards were a testament to the party’s commitment to rewarding hard work and loyalty.
“This occasion is more than a celebration of individual achievement; it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the revolutionary values that have sustained Zanu-PF from the liberation struggle to the transformative agenda of the Second Republic,” said Cde Paradza.
He noted that the ruling party was consolidating a proud legacy built on sacrifice, unity and patriotism, while decisively championing development to improve lives at ward, district and provincial levels.
The awards ceremony was also graced by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cde Raj Modi, along with several senior party officials and youth leaders.
Cde Paradza hailed the award recipients as embodiments of the disciplined leadership required to drive the nation forward under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
“The cadres we honour today embody disciplined leadership, selfless service and unwavering loyalty to the party and the nation. Your excellence reflects the ethos of the Second Republic — results-oriented leadership, accountability and inclusive development,” he said.
Youth were also challenged to remain humble and people-centric through diligent service to the masses.
“As we move forward, let’s remain steadfast in service, firm in discipline and united in purpose, knowing that through collective effort we shall continue to deliver victory — not only at the ballot box, but in economic growth, social development and national prosperity,” said Cde Paradza.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo Provincial Youth League chairperson and Nkulumane MP-elect, Cde Freedom Murechu, said the awards serve as a strategic tool to motivate the youth.
“By recognising the successes of our young people, we motivate the youth within the party to work even harder,” he said.
Cde Murechu attributed the party’s recent by-election success in Nkulumane to the President’s trust in young leaders.
“This is a clear sign of the President’s love for the youth, as seen through the unwavering support I was given during the campaign and the President’s continued appointment of youthful leaders to ministerial positions,” he said.
City Centre District youth chairman, Cde Joseph Majoni, was one of the night’s biggest winners, clinching the Best Performing Male District Chairperson award. He also received an accolade from Boyz DzaMdara for Best Organisation in Business Development and Empowerment.
Cde Majoni has been credited with intensifying grassroots mobilisation in Bulawayo’s Central Business District and colleges, including Nust and Bulawayo Polytechnic. His initiatives include successful poultry projects, securing employment for youth in various sectors, providing business bays and leading city-wide clean-up campaigns.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humility upon receiving these awards for Boyz DzaMdara and as the Best Performing Male District Chairman. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Zanu-PF leadership for this recognition and to our President, His Excellency Comrade Emmerson Mnangagwa, for his unwavering commitment to empowering the youth.
“This accolade is not merely a personal achievement; it is a testament to the collective efforts of our vibrant youth and the dedicated leadership within our party structures. I feel deeply honoured by this acknowledgment and, in response, I pledge to redouble my efforts. I will work tirelessly to realise President Mnangagwa’s vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe. Together, brick by brick and stone upon stone, we will build a brighter future for our nation. I accept this recognition not just as an individual, but as a symbol of our collective commitment to our party’s ideals and national development,” he said.
In the female category, Cde Beauty Nkomo from the John Landa District was crowned Best Performing Female District Chairperson, highlighting the party’s commitment to gender-inclusive leadership.
Organisers said the winners were selected through a rigorous assessment by an independent panel of luminaries and investors. The awards underscore the Youth League’s broader strategy to ensure that “true victory” is delivered not only at the ballot box but through tangible economic growth and social development across the province.
